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MAY 21, 2017 | METRO | 48 PAGES | INCLUDING CHENNAI TIMES, TIMESLIFE! & TIMES CLASSIFIEDS | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | EPAPER.TIMESOFINDIA.COM

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2nd Term For Rouhani Iran prez records landslide victory in elections P 21

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‘Will Enact Law’ If triple talaq not changed: Naidu P 10

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‘Be ready for ops at short notice’

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ven as terror attacks on military camps in Jammu and Kashmir continue to be on the rise, Indian Air Force (IAF) officers reportedly got a personal letter from air chief marshal BS Dhanoa asking them to be prepared for operations “at a very short notice”. P 15

Indian student found dead in US

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alaap Narasipuri, a 20year-old Indian origin electrical engineering student at Cornell University who had gone missing on Wednesday, was found dead by New York police on Friday. Police have ruled out any foul play behind his death. P 21

Thiruvananthapuram: A 23-year-old law student chopped off the penis of a selfanointed godman with a kitchen knife after he allegedly tried to rape her in her home on Friday night. She later told the police that the 54-year-old had been sexually exploiting her for eight years, and this was the last straw. After almost dismembering the rapist, the young woman called the police and sought protection. Her alleged abuser, Gangesananda Theerthapadhar alias Hari Swami, is under treatment at Me-

statement was recorded ➤ Woman said abuse started when she was a Class X student ➤ Hari Swami visited house on pretext of poojas and forced himself on her ➤ Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan called castration ‘a courageous step’

➤ The ‘godman’ was

formally arrested in hospital ➤ Police clarified

that no case had been filed against the 23-yearold woman and only her dical College Hospital here after undergoing emergency surgery. Hospital sources said 92% of his penis was severed but has been tenuously re-attached to its base. The castration won the approval of Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan who called it “a courageous step, no doubt about it”.

A case has been registered against Hari Swami under various sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and IPC 376 (punishment for rape). No case has been registered against the woman so far. The complainant, a final year law student, lives with her mother, father, who has

Pak review bid in Jadhav case untenable, a populist ploy: Salve Dhananjay.Mahapatra @timesgroup.com

New Delhi: India’s lead counsel Harish Salve said on Saturday that Pakistan’s attempt to seek review of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) interim stay on Kulbhushan Jadhav’s execution is a mere populist ploy to please domestic audience and is untenable under international

ICJ can’t override our law, says Pak

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nder pressure over the ICJ ruling, Pakistan asserted that the stay order on the Indian’s execution cannot trump Pakistan’s domestic law. “They cannot override a country’s laws allowing the death penalty,” said Sartaj Aziz, adviser to PM. P 10

law. Speaking to TOI from London, Salve said, “There

is no appeal or review procedure provided under the ICJ statute or rules against the orders already passed by it. India had pressed for provisional measures citing urgency to save Kulbhushan Jadhav on the ground that Pakistan had grossly and continuously violated the mandate of Vienna Convention on Consular Access. The ICJ had heard Pakistan in detail before accepting India’s petition.”

 Abused since Class X, P 15

GST to push up insurance premiums or the middle class, an immediate impact of GST would be the higher premium outgo due to the increase in rate of tax on insurance following the implementation of GST. For families that own a car and pay for health and term insurance, the increase in annual outgo would be close to `1,000. Banking too will see a marginal increase in charges. However, since most of the earnings are through interest spreads, the impact will be limited to loan processing fees, card fees, penalties and remittance charges. P14

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 ‘Provided proof’, P 10

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Novelist Anuja Chauhan on why she changed gear from chick lit to war and peace P19

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➤ 92% of Hari Swami’s penis was severed. Docs later reattached it in a surgery

been bedridden for the past few years, and a younger brother. Her family members followers of the late Chattambi Swamigal, and the alleged perpetrator claimed to be attached to the Chattambi Swamigal Ashram at Panmana in Kollam. The management of Panmana Ashram, however, clarified that Gangeshananda, as he was known then, had come to the ashram 15 years ago, but did not complete his course and left mid-way. Hari Swami apparently knew the young woman’s family for more than eight years. Since the time she was 15, he has been visiting their house regularly for conducting poojas and, allegedly, sexually exploiting her.

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The Anuja factor

Godman Abused Me For 8 Years: Law Student, 23

ORGAN REATTACHED AFTER OP

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As the Indian fashion press unleashes a string of superlatives to describe celebs at Cannes, a look at what it tells us about our slavish awe of glamour P17

P R I C E `` 5 . 0 0 ( `` 8 . 0 0 W I T H T H E S P E A K I N G T R E E )

Kerala CM lauds ‘courageous’ Def min finalises big pvt act of girl for bobbitising ‘rapist’ role in arms production

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Why we gush over Cannes fashion

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SUNDAY SPECIAL

‘Almost Royal Wedding’ Pippa Middleton ties the knot with millionaire P 21

To Start With Jets, Copters, Subs & Tanks

[email protected]

New Delhi: The broad contours of the long-awaited “strategic partnership” policy to boost the Indian private sector’s role in production of cutting-edge weapon systems, in collaboration with global armament majors through joint ventures here, was finalised by the defence ministry on Saturday. The defence acquisitions council (DAC), chaired by defence minister Arun Jaitley, also gave the green signal to the Army to go ahead with its longterm plan to induct three squadrons (39 choppers) of attack helicopters for its three

A MESSAGE TO DRDO, OFB? ➤ Policy seems to be a message to DRDO, 5 defence PSUs, 4 shipyards and 41 factories under OFB that they have failed to deliver the goods over decades ➤ As a result, India is still forced to import 65% of its military requirement, and hence can be strategically choked by foreign powers at any time “strike” corps, among other modernisation proposals, said sources. But the main takeaway was the strategic partnership policy under the “Make in India” thrust of the Modi government, which initially opens up four major segments of fighter jets, helicopters, submarines

and armoured vehicles (tanks and infantry combat vehicles) for private sectors players. TOI was the first to report that the strategic partnership policy would be cleared by the DAC this month as a major step towards building a robust domestic defence-industrial base, the absence of which means that India still imports 65% of its military requirements and can be choked by foreign powers in times of conflicts. The policy, which will now go to the cabinet committee on security for approval after the “smaller details” are worked out, is a clear message to the DRDO and its 50 labs, five defence PSUs, four shipyards, and the 41 factories under the ordnance factory board that they have largely failed to deliver the goods over the decades.  Strong message, P 10

After losing 16 yrs of youth in jail, man acquitted in last of 11 cases Dhananjay.Mahapatra @timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Coming from the educated family of a government employee from Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, 28-year-old Gulzar Ahmed Wani was pursuing research in Arabic in 2001 when he was arrested as an accused in 11 cases of bomb blasts that rocked UP and Delhi on eve of Independence Day the previous year. But trial courts spread across Delhi and UP disbelie-

KASHMIRI’S ORDEAL ➤ Gulzar Ahmed Wani, then 28, was studying at AMU in 2001 when he was arrested ➤ He was acquitted in the last case — Sabarmati Express blast — on Friday ➤ CJI Khehar had expressed exasperation at ineptitude shown by UP and Delhi police ved the evidence brought against him by police of both states, acquitting him in one case after another. On Friday, he

was acquitted in the last one — the Sabarmati Express train blast case — by a court in Barabanki in UP due to lack of evidence. Wani was accused of having orchestrated the blast that claimed nine lives. Wani has finally come out clean, but paid a heavy cost. He was 28 years old at the time of arrest. Today he is 44. Wani spent 16 years, the prime of his youth, behind bars for crimes the trial courts found he had not committed.  ‘Who will compensate’, P 15

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TIMES CITY

SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI * MAY 21, 2017

Activist who opposed takeover of land by MLA booked in ganja case 74-Year-Old Had 2,100Kg Of Narcotic, Claim Police

The special judge of the court refused bail to the activist, Vedagan, but directed the police commissioner to nominate an officer known for his uprightness to probe the case and submit a report to the court

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Chennai: A 74-year-old social activist in RK Nagar, who tried to stop a ruling party legislator from occupying a tract of land in the area worth about `1,000 crore, has been arrested on charges of keeping 2,100kg of ganja at his residence. Vedagan, a social activist,

application for bail. Though the special judge dismissed the bail application citing that the investigation was at an initial stage, he directed the commissioner of police to nominate an officer known for his integrity to inquire into the case and submit a report to the court. According to his counsel, Vedagan is president of Ezhil Nagar Welfare Association. After the state government identified the land for the benefit of 4,000 residents, he moved the high court for proper allotment of residential plots to the target beneficiaries. Vedagan obtained a favourable court order, too, said his counsel. This angered the ru-

had been alleging that the MLA was trying to usurp the land identified by the government for allotment to homeless poor in the RK Nagar constituency, which former chief minister J Jayalalithaa had represented till her death

last December. The issue came to light after Vedagan, arrested on April 19, moved the special court under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act for bail. This was his third

ling party MLA and his associates, said Vedagan’s counsel. Vedagan refused to part with the documents relating to the land. Despite the fact that he is 74 and has been residing in the area for more than 50 years, police registered a series of criminal cases including the one alleging that he had 2,100kg of ganja, all at the instance of the ruling party legislator, Vedagan’s counsellor said. Vedagan managed to obtain bail in a couple of cases from the Madras high court, but because of the rejection of his bail plea in the ganja case, he has to remain in prison, his counsel said.

Arts & science may trump Will GST make your visit to movies dearer? engg this season too: Experts TRENDING IN TN The suspense remains

Metro ride to airport smooth, but walk to terminal tiresome [email protected]

Chennai: For commuters taking the metro train to the airport, heading to the terminal may not be as easy as boarding the air-conditioned coach. Air passengers alighting at the airport station have to exit the facility and walk for 15 minutes to the terminal. While passengers complain that the shuttle service introduced for air passengers from the metro station to the airport is erratic, promised facilities like walkalator and web check-in for easy access to the airport and hassle-free travel are yet to be in place. The much-anticipated elevated line between Little Mount and the airport was launched in September 2016. Met-

Marina meets: Cops warn of stern action

Siddharth.Prabhakar @timesgroup.com

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t least 1,000 representatives from more than 60 countries have gathered in Chennai for a three-day International World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress at the ITC Grand Chola Hotel to be held till Sunday. The gathering of the world’s leading nut and dried fruit companies will exchange ideas in market development, supply chain, consumption, product innovation, food safety, nutrition and research. In addition to the technical sessions, the congress will give away awards for lifetime achievement, excellence in research, gastronomy and innovation. TNN

ment service. These courses, especially languages like English and Tamil and science subjects, have become popular as students see a future in the teaching profession, said an official in the directorate of collegiate education. English writing skills are also in demand in firms which seek content and technical writers, say educationists. Statistics from the University of Madras show that there has been an increase of 6,200 candidates (10%) in just seven top undergraduate courses in affiliated colleges from 2014-15 to 2016-17. Bachelor in Commerce (BCom) continues to remain the most popular course with more than 32,000 students enrolling in 2016-17.

Chennai: Greater Chennai Police have warned of stern action against those gathering in groups or conducting meetings on the Marina. Astatement issued by the police on Saturday said people should not gather in groups or convene meetings on the beach as Section 41 is in force. Action would be taken against those violating the diktat, and they can be arrested, the statement added. There have been calls for agathering on the Marina on Sunday to remember the loss of lives during the final phase of the civil war in Sri Lanka between Tamils and Lankan forces.

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or language degree at the undergraduate level helps the student prepare for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) and get into govern-

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of `120 by replacing the 30% entertainment tax with the 28% GST,” Dhananjayan said. Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) president Vishal said any increase in ticket price would be bad. “We have not got the exact numbers yet. It will take a week before we get clarity on the impact that the GST rates will have," said Vishal. To reduce the burden on the audience, Vishal has proposed a centralised e-ticketing mechanism which will bring down the internet booking fee from `30 to `10. “TFPC can set a centrallycontrolled server and enable booking of tickets to any movie hall in the state. The running cost will work out to about `10 per head, and this can be passed on to the audience.” Vishal said the online facility that TFPC proposes to set up will bring transparency. The online mechanism was recently introduced in Kerala and it has been working well. “With better understanding of footfalls through online monitoring, we can calculate profits and ensure producers get their fair share. We want to prevent sale of black tickets as it only serves the theatre owners and not producers,” he said.

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Chennai: Would you have to pay more to watch a movie in a theatre once GST comes into effect in July? The jury is still out on that. Some chartered accountants say the costliest movie ticket in Chennai -- still one of the cheapest in any metro -may go up from `120 to `153. This is a 28% increase, which includes the state-imposed 30% entertainment tax. But shouldn't the entertainment tax go once the single-tax regime kicks in? With state's rights to introduce new taxes being debated upon, clarity is yet to emerge. While analysts are divided, theatre owners are clueless. “I am not sure how the new ticket price will be calculated based on announced GST rates. We will have to wait and see,” said Chennai Theatre Owners Association president Abirami Ramanathan. National award winning film critic Dhananjayan Govind subscribes to the view that the 28% increase has to be applied over the existing rate. The current highest ticket price is `120, which includes an admission fee of `83.3 and entertainment tax of `35.7, besides `1 as maintenance charge. “Most auditors in the film industry believe GST is going to be over and above the prescribed price (MRP). Another segment, however, believes it will be covered within the existing price

The current ticket price is `120 which includes an admission fee of `83.3, entertainment tax of `35.7 & `1 as maintenance

Seats filled in colleges

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Abdullah.Nurullah @timesgroup.com

Chennai: The trend of students choosing arts and science colleges over engineering institutions in Tamil Nadu is likely to continue this academic season as well, say academicians, and officials in the higher education department. Statistics show that in the past five years, enrolment in engineering colleges has reduced by 32,000 even as there has been a corresponding increase of around 50,000 in undergraduate arts and science courses in the state. For the past four years, more than 1 lakh engineering seats have gone vacant every year. In comparison, around 40,000 seats in arts and science colleges remained empty till 2015-16. Senior officials say the trend is because of fewer jobs in the IT and manufacturing sector. “Companies are willing to recruit a candidate who has aBSc in computer science degree for the same job for which they were hiring a BE in computer science earlier,” a senior government official said. Enrolling in a science, arts

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CONNECTING CORRIDORS

ro rail officials had said commuters would soon get several new facilities at the airport station including a walkalator, to be built by Airports Authority of India, which will connect the metro station with the airport terminal. A tube was constructed linking the platform level of the metro station with the entry of the airport. But since there is no walkalator, the

tube has been cordoned off. In October 2016, metro rail launched shuttle services to improve commuter mobility. Four battery operated cars have been shuttling air passengers between the metro station and the airport. But commuters complain that they had to wait for more than 15 minutes to catch a shuttle service. Hence, many of the air passengers end up walking to the terminal from the station. “I started taking the metro as the station is in front of the airport hoping it would connect through a subway or a foot overbridge. But it is a hassle to walk out of the station and go to the airport. I might spend more money and take a cab. The shuttle service is infrequent,” said Sundar, who works in Delhi.

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TIMES CITY

* SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI MAY 21, 2017 A Prathap

PLOUGH BACK TO FARMERS IN NEED

VADIVEL

THE SKILL

Mohaneswari uses her knowledge of composting, acquired during a workshop, to train others; (left and below); participants of textile preservation and cellphone filmmaking sessions

SEEKER R Ramesh Shankar

In Search Of A Work-Life Balance, People Are Looking Out For Workshops Which Help Them Develop A Skill, Network And Find Their Calling

Julie Mariappan & Siddharth Prabhakar

TNN

Chennai: After courting controversies and delaying the selection of vice-chancellors to three universities, the search committees of University of Madras, Anna University and Madurai Kamarajar University (MKU) submitted lists of VC nominees to governor C Vidyasagar Rao on Saturday. “While the MKU and Anna University panels met the governor on Friday, University of Madras panel got an audience on Saturday morning,” a government official told TOI. This comes after the Madras high court, acting on a PIL, on Thursday gave two weeks to the chief secretary and the higher education secretary to fill the posts. MKU has been without a VC since April 2015, University of Madras since January 2016, and Anna University since May 2016. Officials said the governor had been unhappy with the constitution of the panels. He insisted on a retired high court judge to head each panel, but the state government requested that the condition be relaxed. It is not known if the panels’ meetings with the governor happened after he agreed to the request.

As mandated by the government, each committee has submitted three names. This has raised hopes in academic circles that the governor would appoint the VCs at the earliest on the lines of Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, where he interviewed the candidates in person. Higher education minister K P Anbazhagan is likely to be part of the interviews. Sources said the governor has the option of rejecting the names, since the process and constitution of the search panels have been mired in controversies. “The governor may accept the names and appoint VCs. However, he will redefine the composition of the committees by fixing certain eligibility criteria for the members, which is lacking now,” said a source. The appointment of Surendra Prasad, a civil engineer and a research scholar in University of Madras, as VC search panel member had raised eyebrows though the senate had nominated him for the committee through an election. Mu Ramasamy, a member of MKU search committee, quit the post 10 months after his appointment, alleging irregularities in the selection process. But MKU search committee convenor C Murukadas told TOI that “all allegations are false”.

MGR University planning online evaluation TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Every time you learn a new skill – from crocheting to cubing – it jumpstarts your brain. Learning helps your neurons make new connections, replacing those that were lost over time. It’s a great way to improve your working memory. It builds confidence. Humans have a natural desire to ‘learn and progress’. A new skill can help you make new friends, meet new people. How about trying something like a skill swap, where you teach a friend a skill and learn one from them. Studies show that adults who stay active are less likely to develop symptoms of dementia and memory loss. How about dancing then?

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For most of my clients, who are working professionals, homemakers and retired people, it starts as an interest or as a stress buster but then social awareness drives them to pursue it,” says the 44-year-old. Any kind of activity which goes beyond responsibility is great for mental and physical heath and helps in worklife balance, believes counseling psychologist Saras Bhaskar, “I often advise my clients to channel their loss, or anger into an interest that they may have. The idea is to engage with something new,” she says. Not to mention a skill can come in handy anytime, whether it’s for a business or teaching someone else. So dust off the years of excuses and try something out of the box, and you may just end up rediscovering your talents.

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WHY LEARN?

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Residents want construction of police quarters stopped

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ill about a month ago, filmmaking was a dream Heera Matheen Rasool, freelance businessman, had harboured, but never really thought he would get down to pursuing. But by last weekend, he had managed to write a script, shoot, edit, and complete his own short film, ‘Who Killed Roger Rabbit?’ as part of a filmmaking workshop at Apparao Galleries. Be it a yearning to get creative, a passion for preservation of heritage or a need to live sustainably, an interest can take us a long way — sometimes out of our routines. With a variety of workshops springing up, the idea is to pick up a skill whenever you can. So whether it’s a workshop on home improvement or saving the environment, people are squeezing different short-term classes into their schedule to learn something they had always wanted to and become part of a larger network of enthusiasts in the field. Short-term workshops are the next best thing when you can’t do a course,

but want to acquire expertise, says independent documentary filmmaker Uma Vangal who conducted the filmmaking workshop. “Initially, we were looking for artists, who might want to explore films in their art. But we were pleasantly surprised to see a motley group of designers, IT professionals, students and businessmen signing up for the classes,” she says. The fact that the classes were on weekends and promised to teach the craft using basic technology may have opened them up for amateurs, feels Vangal, who taught techniques of lighting and composure to the class of a dozen people. For Rasool, the making of the film, has taken him on a new trajectory altogether. “I had always only thought about making films, but this workshop got me into action,” says the 42-year-old who now plans to take his work to short film festivals. While it took years for him to

find a workshop that suited him and enrol, he admits that “when you have an interest you will find time for it.” This rings true for most people who participated at the textile conservation meet earlier this month at the Press Institute of India. While gallerist Sharan Apparao managed to push in the daylong interactive session in between her own workshop, which she was hosting at her gallery, Vipra Muddaya of Vimor, a sari store in Bengaluru, managed to come down to the city just to learn the art of preservation of saris. In between learning different ways to dar n, and remove stains, Muddaya says, “I can speak about motifs, borders and redesigning saris but have no idea about how to protect them. So it was important to attend this workshop.” With burnouts becoming more commonplace, people feel the need to pursue interests beyond the familiar work day. For instance, Mohaneswari J who started learning composting out of interest and now has made a steady business out of it. Her search for ways of composting inside an apartment, led her to a workshop by Alladi Mahadevan, who promotes organic farming. Now a year later she has a thriving kitchen garden in her T Nagar home, which is fertilized using food waste. She also hosts a number of workshops on gardening and composting, and hands out manure and seeds which are produced at home. “I was interested in gardening and then became aware about recycling waste.

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road connectivity,” says Loganathan. Though some have ration cards, the rice they get is of a poor quality, and has bad odour. Providing the community with good quality rice would also help persuade them to attend other programmes such as health camps. The other two villages are home to the Irula community. “While Perunagar has housing, even residents there need help,” says Loganathan. Madhusudan found that even people who [email protected] manage to find work often don’t get their wages on time. “So they go once a week into nearby ith the state reeling under towns to beg,” she says. Her aim is to ensure drought, debt-ridden farmers are that the people are fed. “I met a young mother committing suicides while others who said that she couldn’t lactate as she didn’t headed to the capital, hoping to have enough food to eat.” Summers are the crumake their voices heard. Closer back home, ellest also because it is vacation time and kids moved by the plight of the farmers as well as are at home. “At school, they at least have the rural folk, Aarti Madhusudan decided to ‘Rice mid-day meal, and there is less burden on the to the Challenge’. Tying up with a local NGO, families,” she says. she has launched an initiative to garner help Here’s what people can do — you can take and support to provide adequate nutrition to the responsibility of feeding one family for about a 100 families in rural TN. three months, providing 25kg of rice per month. “I have been keeping track of farmers’ “At `35 per kg, it takes `6,125,” says Madissues and wanted to see how agrihusudan, who plans to support five culturists nearby are faring,” families. Since villagers are also says Madhusudan. So, along looking for livelihood options, with K Loganathan, execuyou can either buy a goat for tive director, Association a family for `2,500 or 10 for Sustainable Commuchickens for `1,000). nity Development (ASSPeople have already COD), who works in come forward to support. Kancheepuram district, Gurgaon-based Veena Padshe headed to a few vilmanabhan plans to support lages. What she saw there a couple of families. “Rural moved her to tears. folk are facing a very serious “There are families livelihood challenge due to clistarving and they are not just mate change and existing policies. farmers. Everyone associated While you need to think of issues with farm life — agricultural lalong-term, right now you need to bourers, people who rear cattle, REACHING OUT: The address basic survival,” she says. poultry or pigs — has been affectrice campaign urges Sakthivel Pannerselvam of ed,” says Madhusudan, who people to support Surprise Planners has decided to launched the ‘Rice to the Challenge’ rural families by donate money raised by his reon Facebook a few days ago. It donating grains cent event ‘Startup Pongal’, aims to sustain 100-odd or money which brought together families over the next startups in and around three months. People the city. “We have been can help by donating wanting to do something rice or buying goats or to help farmers, espechickens for the needy. cially after seeing their The villages they protest in Delhi. We visited in Uthiramerplan to give `35,000 ur taluk — Kaliyto the campaign, ampoondi, Manwhich will be used ampathi and Peto buy rice, goats or runagar — prechickens for needy sented a stark families,” he says. picture. “We will “And we will try to be concentrating get funds from other on the Landas people as well.” PeoColony in Kaliample can donate in cash poondi where the to ASSCOD — www. families are below asscod.org/donation poverty line. They — mention ‘rice chalhave been living lenge’ in the payment there for the past 50 memo. One can also doyears with no facilinate bags of rice at the ties like housing, safe village. drinking water or

Campaign Urges City-Dwellers To Help Poor Farming Families In Rural Tamil Nadu

Chennai: Less than a year after the Madras high court directed TN Dr MGR Medical University to re-evaluate the answer scripts of a batch of PG medical students who moved the court, the university is planning to move the evaluation of answer sheets for all medical, dental and paramedical courses online. As a pilot project, bar-coded answer sheets of 500 postgraduate dental and super-speciality students were evaluated online by examiners earlier this year. “Initially, it does take time for the examiners to get used to evaluating sheets on a large desktop screen, but the system reduces manual error. If the teacher skips an answer or scrolls too fast, the machine will give an alert. It is programmed to ask the evaluator if he is sure when the student fails or is awarded zero for an answer,” said university registrar Dr T Balasubramanian. According to the plan, students will be given customised 73-page barcoded answer sheets tagged to their roll numbers. Once a student submits the answer sheets, it is sent to a high-speed scanner and images will be loaded on to a university server. Examiners will then evaluate the scanned images on desktops connected through intranet. The evaluator will have access to the answer key. “In manual corrections, there is always a risk of prejudice,” he said. In case there is a difference in scores, the highest score will be awarded to the students. “We are now discussing what we should do if the difference is 30% marks or more. While one group of officials thinks it should go to a third evaluator, another feels an average should be taken,” Dr Balasubramanian said.

Chennai: A group of residents, who say that an unauthorised building is coming up at Kamarajapuram Government Middle School, Ambattur, gathered in front of the premises on Saturday demanding action against the construction. The protesters, who were at the site for the second day in a row, alleged that the new construction, which is a quarters for the police department, has no permit to come up in front of the school, impeding room for any extension of the school. They produced an RTI filed last year, which indicates that the land has not been allotted to any department. “There are 5 lakh residents and not enough government schools in the Ambattur zone. Currently there is only one girls higher secondary school and none for boys. The corporation

CONSTRUCTION TROUBLE: Protesters showed an RTI filed last year that says the land has not been allotted to any department

should ensure that the land is allotted for the construction of a higher secondary school and an inquiry should be conducted about the building that is coming up at the place,” said K Bharathi, an advocate, who is among the protesters. Afoundation has been laid and pillars are being erected at the moment in the 2acre land in front of the school. But corporation officials, when contacted, said that the schools in the exten-

ded areas are still under the erstwhile district administrations and a government proposal to transfer them to the school department of Greater Chennai Corporation is pending. “The issue is not under our scope. Those protesting want the land to be transferred to us so that we can construct a higher secondary school, but that decision rests with the government,” said a senior corporation official.

‘Remove Tasmac outlet’ Chennai:Residents of Velachery staged a protest on Saturday morning demanding the removal of a Tasmac outlet on Gandhi Road near the bus stop. Nearly 200 women were part of the protesters, who said that the shop was a hindrance to school and college-going students. Women shouted slogans against the Tasmac authorities and said they would not allow the outlet to function. Protesters said the shop is located near schools, temples and in a residential area. The protesters were arrested and detained in a marriage hall and later let off. TNN

NEWS DIGEST

Power shutdown Power supply will be suspended in Sholinganallur area - Kannagi Nagar, PTC Quarters, Karapakkam, VGP Avenue, Okkiyum Pettai, Nehru Nagar , Mettukuppam, MK Chavadi, parts of OMR, Chandrasekaran Avenue -- between 9.00am to 2.00pm for maintenance work. Supply will be resumed before 2.00pm if the works are completed.

Women who stole autorickshaw held: Two women who, accompanied by their husbands, attacked an autorickshaw driver and stole the vehicle were arrested on Friday. Police said the accused, Suba, 20, and Suganthi, 22, got into the autorickshaw at Thiruvottiyur, and were later joined by their husbands on the way. The four beat up the autorickshaw driver Jothilingam, 43. They took away `2,000, his mobile phone and sped away in the vehicle. The women were nabbed by the police during a routine vehicle check at Minjur.

US-based a capella group Penn Masala all set to enthral Chennai audience [email protected]

Chennai: Their music is timeless, and the band members never age. Penn Masala, a 20-year-old band of 20-somethings from Pennsylvania University, is set to perform their first ever gig in the city. Beat boxing, whistle, claps and clicks are their instruments. An a cappella group with a touch of spice, Penn Masala began its journey in the year 1996 and has over the years captivated the world with outof-the-box music techniques and mash-ups. Penn Masala does not hesitate when it comes to experimentation. Their motto is to explore and celebrate the junction of western and Indian music. “We are an evolving band not just in terms of our music but also our

Penn Masala does not hesitate when it comes to experimentation. The motto of its members is to explore and celebrate the junction of western and Indian music

A TALENTED BUNCH: The 20-somethings from Pennsylvania University are part of a group that was formed in 1996

members. As old members of the band graduate, new ones take their place,” says Praveen Rajaguru, one of the band members. “One challenge we experience as a college group is because of the rotating

nature of the band. As the group grows, we are forced to adjust to changes in lead talent, but in the end it helps us modify our sound and push the boundaries of South Asian fusion,” says Rajaguru, who adds that

their Sunday show at Phoenix Marketcity will promote their latest album ‘Yuva’. The inspiration of Penn Masala, according to members, comes from the fans who constantly applaud their performances. “Our fans really drive us to keep innovating and put out content which will resonate with them,” says another band member Nikhil Raman.

Penn Masala has produced 10 studio albums to date, and band member Hari Ravi adds that they have also performed in the White House and in Hollywood movie Pitch Perfect 2. In their current album ‘Yuva’, the group has begun exploring the electronic music scene with songs like Nashe si chadh gayi/ Hymn for the weekend. “The group started off as all-male perhaps by coincidence. From a musical standpoint, we have developed a core style over the years through male voices. However, we also collaborated with Jonita Gandhi. We are open to similar collaborations in the future,” says Hari. Tickets are priced at `750 and are also available online at www.insider.in

https://t.me/velarch

An engineer and a site supervisor have been arrested by the Guindy police on charges of negligence leading to death of two workers at a construction site on Friday. The victims, working in a construction site in Little Mount, were killed and another worker was injured after hollow blocks fell on them from the sixth floor. The deceased were identified as Bhuvanesh, 24 and Brindaban, 19, hailing from Odisha. Police registered a case and are questioning the owner of the premises.

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai: Rushing to the rescue of a bike mechanic, the Madras high court has directed authorities to stop construction of a bus shelter that would block entry into the mechanic’s home-cumworkshop at Vanagaram on the Chennai-Bengaluru highway. Justice R Mahadevan granted the relief to P Velmurugan after he narrated how a local AIADMK functionary was behind the bus shelter plan to deny him free entry and exit from his house. Taking note of his grievance, the judge issued notice to K Perazhagan, who is at present the town secretary of Villivakkam unit of the AIADMK. He also issued notice to the Tiruvallur district collector and the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC). According to the petitioner, he is the absolute owner of 2,347sqft of land with a super structure in Vanagaram. His property has 21ft frontage on the Chennai-Bengaluru highway (Poonamallee high road). He has been living there with his family. He said he had invested his hard earned money on the property. On May 14, 2017 the ruling party functionary, along with some others, started digging a pit for about 20x10 feet in front of his house. When he inquired with

Two drown in lakes: A 24-year-old man drowned in a lake in Peerkankaranai on Saturday. Police said Keerthivasan went for a swim in the lake and drowned. Police rushed to the spot and moved the body to the Chromepet Government Hospital for postmortem. In another incident, police found the body of a 35-year-old unidentified man in a lake Okiampakkam.

Multi-specialty clinic at T Nagar: SIMS Hospital on Sturday inaugurated a multi-specialty outpatient clinic in T Nagar. The clinic has an ambulance, pharmacy, diagnostics sample collection and imaging services. The clinic is open from 9am to 10pm. For emergency, contact: 9677715486 or 044 24312913.

Yogesh Kabirdoss & V Ayyappan TNN

Chennai: Tour operators in the state are concerned about the impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the hospitality industry, with rooms in star hotels set to bear an additional tax of 28%. Star hotels already charge a higher tariff for rooms than those in Southeast Asian destinations. The increase in charges could lead to premium travellers from abroad skipping destinations in the south after visiting the Delhi-Jaipur-Agra golden triangle. While budget travellers would still visit destinations in the south, this category of tourists does

Velmurugan said he had invested his hard-earned money on the property. On May 14, 2017, the AIADMK functionary, along with some others, started digging a pit in front of his house. When he inquired with the workers, he was informed that they were going to construct a bus shelter the workers, he was informed that they were going to construct a bus shelter. When protested that the construction would leave him without access to his house, the men threatened him. He was then constrained to approach the court. Justice Mahadevan, after instructing the government pleader not to proceed with the construction of the bus shelter obstructing entry to the mechanic’s home, posted the matter for further hearing on June 12.

Two killed, two injured as SUV hits median on GST Road TIMES NEWS NETWORK

CLASSIFICATION

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0.5 TO 2

Air-conditioned Eatery

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Maximum 8

Eatery with liquor licence

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Maximum 8

Hotels with room rent less than `1000 per day

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Hotels with room rent between `1000-`2500

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Hotels with room rent between `2500 -`5000

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Hotels with room rent above `5000

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not bring much revenue for a tourist destination. Travel and tour operators feel that India’s rank in foreign tourist arrivals which had improved from 40 to 24 for 2015, as per the revised rankings released by UNWTO in March 2017, might take a beating as other destinations like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore would be cheaper for travellers including those coming under the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) cate-

FILLED WITH LIFE’S COLOURS C Suresh Kumar

Chennai: Tamil Nadu based AIM (All India Movement) For Seva, a service organization, founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, has been chosen for the 20th All India Mahaveer Awards under ‘Education’ category. It topped the list of other nominees in the respective category with its exceptional service through value-based education to rural students, a release said. The award will be presented in an upcoming function. The award carries a cash prize of `10 lakhs, a citation and a memento. The awardees were selected by a selection jury based on the magnitude and the impact of their services for the betterment of lives of the needy and the under privileged of the society. The selection jury was headed by Justice M N Venkatachaliah, former Chief Justice of India and other eminent personalities. Chennai-based Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation, since 1995, has been bestowing the prestigious Mahaveer Awards on outstanding personalities and organisations in recognition of their excellence and altruistic services in propagation of ‘non-violence and vegetarianism’, and in the fields of ‘education’, ‘medicine’ and ‘community and social service’.

320 students to be admitted in vet science courses courses are offered in College of Food and Dairy Technology in Koduvalli near Red Hills in the city and the poultry production course is offered by a government-run institution in Mathigiri, Hosur. Of the total number of seats in BVSc and AH, 15% of seats are reserved for Veterinary Council of India. Another 15% of seats in B Tech Food Technology are reserved for Indian Council for Agricultural Reserarch. The last date for submission of application forms for the courses is June 7, 2017. For more details log on to www.tanuvas.ac.in

NGO to feed birds and plant trees in city TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai: Tree Bank -- an NGO -- is planning to provide food and water for birds in various areas of the city to save them from the scorching summer. The NGO is also initiating a new method of tree plantation. It is planning to feed the birds with seeds of banyan tree, peepal tree, fig tree and cherry tree. A variety of birds, including crows, parrots, pigeons and mynas, and also squirrels will be fed. The droppings of these birds will help grow trees. Due to lack of trees, birds are not found in many areas in the city and hence the NGO is also working on planting tree saplings in areas where residents have sent requests as part of the drive. The program began on Saturday at 8am at Kotturpuram and continued at Adyar, Guindy, and Besant Nagar. On Sunday, the program will commence at 8am at Anna Nagar, Purasawalkam, Villivakkam, and ICF. Those who are interested to join this campaign can contact: 9444004310, 9382184310, or 044-23764310.

nearly an hour due to the accident. Police had to use a crane to move the mangled vehicle to the side of the road to ensure traffic movement. The Otteri police have registered a case and are investigating.

pared to hotel rooms, he said, “There is a danger of hotels becoming destinations only for corporate visitors.” Tamil Nadu Hotels Association M Venkada Subbu said that the prices in standalone restaurants would increase substantially. Restaurants with a turnover of less than Rs. 50 lakhs will see increase in taxes in GST regime to 5% and the rest will have to charge 12%, he said. “For the customers, a thali meal priced at `100 will cost Rs. 112 in nonAC restaurants and Rs.6 more in air conditioned eateries," he said. However, Dhall also expressed a ray of optimism. “Overall this seems like a good move for the sector and should help the growth momentum continue. Economy airfares will get marginally cheaper which should drive continued passenger growth in the air market, while business class will see a moderate increase.”

Art camp held at ICF Chennai: Renowned artists such as R M Palaniappan, V Santhanam, and Maniam Selvan took part in an art camp ‘A Zug Journey’ at Chennai Rail Museum. The event was held at ICF (Integral Coach Factory) campus on Saturday. The theme of the camp was involvement of women and children who work or live in ICF campus. Talking at the valedictory function, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Achim Fabig said "I am very much attached to train journeys as it is the first thing one thinks about India.” He added that he was looking forward to see more such events. TNN

City swelters in the sun as sea breeze fails to provide relief

Chennai: City dwellers had to cope with the heat for longer on Saturday as temperature as high as 36 degrees Celsius persisted for at least four hours from noon to about 4.30pm. On Friday, the temperature fell to 33°C by 4pm after peaking to 39°C at noon. Sea breeze made all the difference, said weathermen. The cooling sea breeze set into the city as early as 10.45am on Saturday, compared

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me time to extricate the bodies from the car. Passersby alerted the police and helped them in removing the bodies from the vehicle. Vehicular movement on the GST Road was affected for

gory. South India Hotels and Restaurants Association (SIHRA) honorary secretary T Nataraajan said, "Rooms in all five star hotels and those with a tariff of more than Rs 5000 per day attract 28% under GST. It is going to seriously hurt us because international tourists will prefer Southeast Asian destinations as room tariff covers about 40% of a tourist expenditure." He also expressed concern over the proposal to levy

28% tax on restaurants operating in five star hotels. “This could end up in restaurants being shut down in five star category hotels, which may serve only for the guest (occupants),” he added. M K Ajith Kumar, CEO of Asia Pacific Tours, said, “Foreign tourists who are backpackers may not be affected because they will be able to stay at cheaper rooms which are out of the ambit of the new tax.” Yatra.com chief operating officer Sharat Dhall echoed these sentiments, saying, “Budget hotels for the aam admi have been kept insulated from any increases in tariffs, though the luxury segment might see an increase due to the GST rates announced.” Nataraajan further said that the GST proposals will promote the unorganised sector in the hospitality industry. Noting that service apartments and guest houses would be cheaper when com-

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jesh were injured and are being treated at the Chromepet government hospital. Police said overspeeding was the reason for the accident. The front portion of the vehicle was completely mangled and it took police so-

GST EXISTING

Non air-conditioned Eatery

Service body wins award

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MANGLED: The front portion of the vehicle was completely mangled and it took police some time to extricate the bodies from the car

OVERSPEEDING

The proposed and existing taxes in restaurants and hotel rooms

WHAT’S ON MENU

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Chennai: Two people were killed and two others were injured after an SUV crashed into the median on the Grand Southern Trunk Road in Vandalur on Friday night. Police said the staff of a confectionery group were returning in a Bolero car from Tiruvannamalai, when the driver lost control and rammed into the median. Two occupants of the car, Raja, 27, and Santosh, 28, died on the spot, while Dinesh K and Ra-

Chennai: A total of 320 students will be admitted in the veterinary science and animal husbandry (AH) courses in four veterinary colleges in Chennai, Namakkal, Tirunelveli and Orathanadu. Another 60 students — 20 each — will be admitted in B Tech food technology, poultry technology and dairy technology. The duration of the veterinary sciences and animal husbandry course is four and half years and one year internship. The three B Tech courses extend to four years. Food and dairy technology

Tourism Industry To Take A Hit

Numbers are in %

Site engineer, supervisor held for neglect

GST to make hotel rooms, eateries dearer

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HC stops building of bus stand blocking mechanic’s house

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SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI * MAY 21, 2017

to 12 noon on Friday. But, regional meteorological centre former deputy director general Y E A Raj said, “The breeze was weak and the increasing solar radiation countered its cooling effect.” During May, on average, Chennai receives the highest solar radiation at noon. As per Met data, the sea breeze sets in during May around 12.30pm on average. The maximum temperature on Satur-

day was 38.8°C, compared to 39.2°C on Friday. Northwesterly winds from Andhra Pradesh are blowing hot air into the city, raising the temperature by at least two degrees above normal. Temperature in the city during the day will reach nearly 40°C over the next two days, the Met has forecast. The Met expects the summer monsoon to set in over Tamil Nadu four or five days before or after May 30. TNN

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TIMES CITY

Gutka freely available in state despite ban: Study

Leaking manhole at West Mogappair now dry as dust

One In Four TOBACCO TRAIL Users Take To It Before 18

INSTANTANEOUS Available on the

Contraband seized

A survey by Cancer Institute on users of tobacco in Tamil Nadu reveals that at least three out of five are motivated to quit tobacco consumption due to pictoral warning

App Store Available on

Google Play

28.64 lakh tobacco users are aged 15 and above, overall prevalence 5.2%

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

STAUNCHING THE FLOW: With reference to a report published in these columns on May 20, the sewage overflowing from the manhole on 3rd Main Road, Mogappair West, was cleared immediately. –Metrowater

Chennai: The ban on gutka products in the state did not take them off the shelves but only made them more expensive, says a recent survey. Parts of the Tamil Nadu Tobacco Survey (TNTS) 201516 released by the Adyar Cancer Institute show that more than 90% of smokeless tobacco users in the state have no difficulty in procuring banned gutka products, although they pay double the price to buy it. The survey interviewed 1.11 lakh people from 32,945 households. Worse, one out of every four tobacco users in the state are initiated to it before the age of 18 and there is no difference in prevalence of tobacco use between urban and rural areas.

Be A Smart TOI

Citizen Reporter Keep mobile phone’s GPS on while clicking & sending pictures Describe exactly where and when picture was taken, giving street names and other locators

SULLIED STRETCH

PUBLIC NUISANCE

* SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI MAY 21, 2017

Pudukottai has high prevalence of 19.9%, Thanjavur has lowest prevalence with 1.2% Average age of initiation 24.7

Only 29% of consumers below 18 years were refused tobacco by shopkeepers

17.2% think of quitting in next one month

Adyar Cancer Institute chairman V Shanta said there should a law preventing appointment of tobacco users as teachers in educational institutions. “But it needs political will,” she said. An estimated 28.64 lakh people aged 15 and above in Tamil Nadu use tobacco in some form. Although the tobacco prevalence rate in Tamil Nadu has come down from 16% in 2009-10 to 5.2% in 2015-16, tobacco-related cancers continue to remain high.

61.3% motivated to quit by pictorial warning

These cancers were causing 10 lakh deaths in India every year and a 2011 estimate showed that it was an economic burden of Rs 1 lakh crore every year. “This is 1.16% of the GDP and onethird of these deaths are preventable,” Shanta said. Thirty-two out of every 1 lakh people in India are estimated to suffer from tobacco-related cancers, with 4.02 lakh new cases emerging every year. Justice N Kirubakaran, sitting judge of the Madras high court, said enforce-

Metro rail to get totem to guide commuters through city U.Tejonmayam @timesgroup.com

UNSANITARY: Garbage has piled up all over EVR Periyar High Road First Lane for the last ten days. We request the authorities to have the area cleared at once. – Viswanathan Subramanian

RUSTING AWAY

GATHERING DUST: A sewage pipe has been lying for months on Ambujammal Road, Alwarpet. Will the authorities have it removed? – Bashyam Yuvaraj

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GROSS VIOLATION: This showroom’s hoarding is blocking pedestrians from using the footpath on 4th Avenue, Anna Nagar. Will the authorities take action? – VR Rajagopal

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hinakaran was produced before special judge Poonam Choudhary on production warrant. She marked the case to Metropolitan Magistrate Abhilash Malhotra who recorded the statement of Dhinakaran and forwarded it to the special judge. When contacted, Delhi po-

lice’s joint commissioner (crime branch) Praveer Ranjan confirmed that Dhinakaran wanted a favourable date. Meanwhile, Special Judge Chaudhry heard arguments on Sukesh’s bail application and reserved the order for May 22. The police have opposed the bail plea saying they needed to make more arrests and the allegations against him were

grave in nature. Apart from Dhinakaran, his friend Mallikarjuna and Sukesh, the crime branch has arrested two Hawala operators in the case as well. Apart from one of the operators, the rest are in Tihar jail. The EC had frozen the AIADMK’s symbol after two factions of the party -- one led by Dhinakaran’s aunt Sasikala

and the other by former chief minister O Panneerselvam staked a claim to it to contest the RK Nagar bypolls. The re-election, which was necessitated following the death of then chief minister J Jayalalithaa, who represented the RK Nagar constituency, was cancelled by the EC after irregularities were reported. (With inputs from PTI)

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Expert: 60% colleges have deficiencies From P 1

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he AICTE recently carried out a surprise inspection on 311 colleges in the country of which 41 were in Tamil Nadu. Among these colleges that comprise 3% of the technical institutions in the country, Sahasrabudhe said that more than 60%, had deficiencies. These shortcomings range from minor to major ones and included faculty shortage, lack of infrastructure, payment related issues, issues related to 6th pay commission norms, and planning approval. AICTE officials said that some of the colleges which had minor complaints were given a show cause notice and a time up to three months to address the issues. Some non-performing institutions have also been given a warning by AICTE. Colleges that applied for closure will not carry out admissions from the upcoming year. However, the official closure will be issued based on approval from the Tamil Nadu government once a report is submitted. From next year, the AICTE is planning to automatically close down colleges that have not been able to maintain aminimum of 30% intake over five consecutive years, said Balamurugan. Meanwhile, the AICTE has also approved 16 new institutions that will come up in the state in the upcoming year. This includes eight pharmacy colleges, two engineering, two government polytechnic colleges, and four post- graduate management diploma colleges. Sahasrabudhe was speaking at a conclave by the consortium of selffinancing professional arts and science colleges in TN.

route map on the totems which will be useful for passengers leaving or entering the stations. The size of the totems may vary with the size of the stations,” an official said. The seven underground metro stations between Nehru Park and Thirumangalam have this feature either inside or outside the entry/exit points. The existing elevated stations though do not have them. In metro rail facilities in several other cities like Dubai, London, totems are usually installed to direct commuters to the nearest station. However, metro rail officials here think totems in nearby localities are not necessary, as the stations entry/ exit points are all located in main roads.

ment agencies swung into action only when the judiciary made some noise, but this tapered down after some time. “Cancer is inside the system which prohibits the government from enforcing laws strongly,” he said. The legal age for smoking should be increased to at least 21, he said. Technical advisor to the central government Pranay Lal said the tobacco lobby had a strong influence on lawmakers in the country, which needed to be questioned.

NEWS DIGEST

Conference on crowdfunding A conference in medical crowdfunding in India will be conducted May 23. The conference will be conducted by Milaap with Apollo Speciality Hospitals and Kamakoti Childs Trust Hopital at Raintree Hotel and will discuss how doctors can extend help to patients by means of crowdfunding.

Promotions, transfers of 490 school heads: Under the directions of the State Minister of School Education, Sports and youth welfare KA Sengottaiyan, the promotions and transfers of 490 heads of municipal and corporation schools have been granted as on Saturday. A press note released on Saturday, stated that “the process was carried out in a transparent fashion”.

A loud, campy first half that leads to nowhere

Cops oppose Sukesh’s bail plea, say more arrests to be made

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totems are designed to be prominently visible structures placed close to identify the entries. These structures will have information panels with details of metro lines and other modes. It will also display line colours on which the particular station lies. In case of interchange stations, both line colours will be displayed and also other transport interchanges. The panel will also carry train timings. “There will be space for area map and metro rail

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TOWERING OBSTACLE

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UNWELCOME INTRUDERS: Metal structures belonging to the railways have been placed on Govindaswamy Street, Meenambakkam, which connects MC Jain Industrial Training Centre, AM Jain School and AM Jain College, for the past one month, causing a hindrance for students and parents. Will the authorities have them removed? – G Praveen Kumar

Chennai: Metro rail will include several features including totems to guide commuters to nearby localities when the trains start running across the crowded stretches of North Chennai. These totems are tall pillars that will have detailed route maps of both metro trains and the neighbourhoods. While totems are at present installed in the underground stretch, when the phase-1 extension opens for public some time in 2019, they will become a regular feature in both elevated and underground stations. However, such totems are to direct commuters to stations. According to officials

These structures will have information panels with details of metro lines and other modes, and also line colours of stations

Chennai: The Gummidipoondi police raided a warehouse on Saturday and seized 32 sacks of banned substances, including pan masala and gutka, among others. Acting on the tip-off that the contraband was hidden in the godown, police raided it and found contents worth `2 lakh. Police is on a hunt for the accused. TNN

CINEMA OF THE WEEK Achayans

★★1/2

Cast: Amala Paul, Anu Sithara, Jayaram, Unni Mukundan Direction: Kannan Thamarakkulam Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes 58888 code: ach ■ Three cousins and their best friend

leave for a road trip, hoping for one final hurrah before one of them gets married. Their path crosses with that of two girls who are on a getaway of their own. Their plans are derailed after a suspicious death. Who was the killer and why forms the plot..

though reveals the death of a character, and the heroes are now the main suspects. Who is the killer and the reason takes the plot forward. The first half of the script is filled with clichés that you would expect from a flick that shows that protagonists are here to have fun. Booze and revelry being the key ingredients along with some comedy. The lackluster script is somewhat salvaged in the second half when the investigation starts under Prakash Raj’s character. While the mode of investigation lacks logic, Prakash Raj comes up with a saving performance. Jayaram, Unni and Anu Sithara do their bit from what is offered to them in the script. But there’s nothing much to rave about. Amala plays her tomboyish character well. The music and songs of the movie are jarring and don’t add anything to the film. The cinematography too is

SMS YOUR MOVIE

insipid at best. T h e

REVIEWS/RATINGS

Type rev short code of movie as given under each movie name your name your rating (choose from 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 or 5). add your comments and send to 58888 e.g. rev hal neha 3 super movie

58888

Codes for movies

● Achayans

(ach)

To read/rate the movie, go to review.timesofindia.com movie could have been chopped by a good 15 mins, instead of floating multiple murder theories. Overall, Achayans is a film that requires some patience to watch and doesn’t quite qualify as an entertainer. — Sanjith Sidhardhan

READERS’ VERDICT MERI PYAARI BINDU

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irector Kannan Thamarakulam’s previous two films - Thinkal Muthal Velli Ver rey and Aadupuliyattam - had the director attempting two different genres, a family drama and a horror-comedy, albeit without much success. For his latest outing Achayans, the filmmaker has picked a thriller as the genre and roped in a talented ensemble cast featuring Jayaram, Prakash Raj, Amala Paul and Unni Mukundan. The movie, scripted by Sethu, starts off with over the top intros for the main characters - cousins Roy (Jayaram), Tony (Unni), Aby (Adil Ibrahim) and their buddy Rafi (Sanju Shivram). The four are introduced as a gang who has their vices - alcohol being the main - and would rather put their need to have fun above all else. A particular instance of jolly living causes Tony to miss his own wedding, after having passed out drunk. This forces the gang to check in to a rehab centre but their antics soon have them kicked out. This leaves them 12 days before Tony’s next wedding date to get their act together. What do they do? They plan to party hard! This also makes their path cross with Reetha (Amala) and Prayaga (Anu Sithara) who are on a getaway of their own. A morning of a New Year’s party

RATING SCALE

READERS’ RATING: 3.1

status and so was the director.

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MITRA RAO

CRITIC’S RATING: ★★★

Worth a dekho once!

Meri Pyaari Bindu fails to be a classic!

Meri Pyaari Bindu is a good onetime watch movie. Both Ayushmann and Parineeti were good together. I SURAJ SINGH

It’s too plain and disappointing It’s not even a one-time watch. Ayushmann did a good job but Parineeti’s character lacks depth and is very dark, which portrayed her negative self-centric side.

It’s a sweet and simple movie. Parineeti was adorable. Amazing songs and a simple storyline makes it a one-time watch. I TUSHAR CHOPRA

I PUNEET MEHRA

The storyline is very weak and does not make sense in most parts. Both Ayushman and Parineeti couldn’t save the movie, though their chemistry looks good on screen. I SHAILENDER SHARMA

This film has quite a disappointing storyline. It kept us waiting for the real story to start. Even the climax was so flat. Both Ayushmann and Parineeti were clueless about their relationship

This one is quite a wonderful movie about life. The story is real and heart-touching. All the actors have given their best performance. I USHASI UPADHYAY

It’s an impressive love story showcased in a different style. Parineeti looked too gorgeous. Both Ayushmann and Parineeti were impressive. The music is hummable. I VIKAS JOSHI

TRASH ★ | POOR ★ | BELOW AVERAGE ★★ | AVERAGE ★★ | ABOVE AVERAGE ★★★ | GOOD ★★★ | VERY GOOD ★★★★ | VERY GOOD+ ★★★★ | OUTSTANDING ★★★★★

https://t.me/velarch TIMES CITY | REGION

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TN got 3 CMs Assembly session likely for one vote, in the first week of June RECONVENING THE ASSEMBLY says Vijayakanth Julie.Mariappan @timesgroup.com

ISSUES TO BE HIGHLIGHTED

Poor realisation of investment commitments of the global investors meet and exit of investments to other states The strained finances and net outstanding debt of `3.14 lakh crore at the end of fiscal year Drinking water scarcity in various parts of the state, and poor maintenance of water bodies ly going through the motions,” said a senior officer. The EPS dispensation will strive hard to rid the perception that there is a complete paralysis of governance. Financial managers, however, point to the severe strain in finances, with a net outstanding debt of `3.14 lakh crore being estimated this fiscal, and have raised doubts over implementing welfare schemes. “The state is unable to make payments to retired and serving transport workers and bought three months’ time to pay a paltry sum,” said a minister. The state is grappling with the closure of 60% of Tasmac outlets along the highways and the growing resentment and protests

Corruption charges faced by the treasury benches, and raids by the Income Tax department

against shifting of shops. A high court order against unapproved layouts last year affected real estate activity, one of the prime earners. A strong opposition is set to take on the government on various fronts. “No action has been taken against ministers facing corruption charges. Our debates will set the house on fire,” DMK leader S Duraimurugan said. He accused the government of failing to address basic needs like drinking water. DMK has strongly objected to the move to prorogue the House last week, since it had grand plans of celebrating party chief M Karunanidhi’s diamond jubilee in assembly and birthday on June 3.

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Chennai: After weeks of political turbulence involving the warring factions of the ruling party, the Tamil Nadu assembly session is all set to be convened, probably in the first week of June to debate on demands for grants for various departments. The session, which comes after the budget presentation on March 16, is likely to begin on June 7 or 8 and continue for a month. Government sources said chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami will hold review meetings with ministers and bureaucrats from Tuesday. He is likely to begin with the industries department as the opposition has been harping on exit of investments from the state. A sizeable number of 98 MoUs signed during the global investors meet is yet to take off. “Clearances from housing department, town and country planning, pollution control board and other service departments are difficult in coming. Unless, the government improves the ease of doing business, the assembly session will be on-

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Madurai: People in Tamil Nadu have got three chief ministers for just one vote and are suffering due to it,” said DMDK leader Vijayakanth on Saturday. “The present government is only concerned about their term continuing for the next four years, and are not concentrating on people’s problems,” he said. He visited the excavation site in Keezhadi in Sivaganga district along with his wife Premalatha and party cadres on Saturday. “This is supposed to be the site of the Pandya kingdom, I am a Madurai man, so I had to visit this site and see for myself,” he said. Later, talking to media persons, Vijayakanth said there was no law and order in the state and that the people were suffering because their problems were not being given importance. Refusing to comment on the two factions of the AIADMK, he said the peo-

ple had gotten more than what they bargained for by being governed by three chief ministers — late chief minister J Jayalalithaa, former chief minister O Panneerselvam, and now Edapaddi Palaniswami — for the one vote that they had cast in the last elections. On being asked about the proposed move by actor Rajanikanth to enter politics, he said this was a democratic nation and anyone was free to enter politics. People were also free to choose the leader that they wanted. DMDK’s prospects would not be affected by the move, he said. “The DMDK would decide on its alliance for the local body elections after the notification for elections is issued, but let us see if it is the general elections or local body elections that come first,” he added.

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SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI MAY 21, 2017

Stalin, Ramadoss slam cops for attacking women

Massive fire guts fertilizer godown

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai: DMK working president and leader of opposition M K Stalin and PMK founder-leader S Ramadoss on Saturday condemned the Tamil Nadu police for their ‘high-handed action’ against women protesting for the closure of liquor shops in their localities. Stalin, while strongly condemning the ‘indiscriminate lathicharge’ on women protesters in a village near Ambur in Vellore, said the AIADMK party which came to power promising a phased prohibition across the State has not only reneged on its promises but has unleashed violence on women. Ramadoss said women have been spearheading protests against liquor in the State and added that the government cannot curb their protests by employing repressive measures. He said the government must come forward and close liquor shops when people protest against its presence in their localities. He urged the government to enforce total prohibition before the Independence Day and release all people arrested and withdraw cases filed against them.

Trichy: A massive fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday in a private godown at Ariyamangamal destroying fertilizers and pesticides worth lakhs of rupees stocked inside. The huge destruction of agricultural inputs came in the backdrop of the agrarian distress sweeping the state. The entire surroundings were engulfed in thick smoke from the chemicals for a long time causing discomfort to residents in the area. Police said Sri Vinayaka Godown Complex was located in the Ariyamangamal industrial estate at Ukkadai in VVLP Mill Street, 100 metres from a police station. A large consignment of fertilisers and pesticides meant to be sold across the state was stocked in the godown. On seeing thick smoke emanating from the building around 5 am , people residing in the neighbourhood informed Ariyamangalam police who in turn informed the fire and rescue services department at the cantonment. Subsequently, fire tenders in Thiruverumbur arrived and tried to put out the inferno. With the situation going out of control,

UP IN FLAMES: A large consignment of fertilizers and pesticides meant to be sold across the state was stocked in the godown

fire service engines from Srirangam and Navalpattu and seven water tankers of the city corporation were deployed. Fanned by a strong wind, the flames rose high and were hard to contain. Ultimately, it took them over five hours to bring the fire under control. Many residents of the area complained of suffocation though no one was seriously affected, police said. The godown was run by a private agent who was also a carrying and forwarding agent for Godrej Agrovet Limited products. Ariyamangalam police have registered a case and are investigating.

https://t.me/velarch SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI MAY 21, 2017

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Come back for the sake of Amma, EPS tells rival faction ‘OPS Camp Should Fulfil Promises’

Those who have deviated from the path should return. I appeal for unity to execute the schemes conceived by MGR and Jayalalithaa

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Julie.Mariappan @timesgroup.com

Chennai: Tamil Nadu has begun a massive exercise with the help of district collectorates to identify 42,649 water sources for desilting, including channels, reservoirs and tanks maintained by the state public works department and panchayat unions. The revenue administration is racing against time to complete the programme, after facing criticism from various quarters for its failure in water management. The storage in tanks and reservoirs has fallen to less than 10% of their original capacity. Water holding capacity has diminished by about 20% due to silt. “The collectors have notified 21,367 water bodies for desilting programme, and necessary clearances have been given for desilting by the farmers,” com-

Udhagamandalam: The premonsoon tiger census began at the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) in the Nilgiris on Saturday. With 36 volunteers and forest officials the census will be held for six days till May 26. “It is a bi-annual procedure that is conducted every year at all the tiger reserves, one premonsoon and another postmonsoon,” Srinivas R Reddy, field director, MTR and Mukurthi National Park, told TOI. “The 36 volunteers of the Government Arts College, Ooty, who participated in the synchronised elephant census

were roped in for this tiger census also”, Reddy said. According to him, the census will involve accounting the prey base and vegetation in the MTR extending to an area of about 321 square kilometers. “As per latest record, MTR houses around 59 tigers, while the number was 52 last year”, he added. However, the 2012 census revealed that MTR was the home for around 67 tigers. “The difference in numbers or rather the decline in numbers doesn’t indicate anything”, said Reddy, adding, “The big cats must be dispersing from one reserve to another”.

missioner of revenue administration, K Satyagopal told TOI. While the Mettur reservoir has been taken up for desilting work, where total storage level has fallen to 4% of the original capacity, officials are working out plans to take up other reservoirs too. The silt deposited in the water bodies are rich in nutrients and can be applied as natural manure to agricultural fields by farmers. The government issued a special order recently, allowing farmers to take earth from the beds of tanks and reservoirs for fields. This in turn, will also help restore the lost capacities of the water bodies indirectly. Satyagopal said 46,195 farmers have benefitted from the programme, removing 26.8 lakh cu.m silt from the water bodies. “The desilting exercise is a special feat of the government,” Law minister C Ve Shanmugam told TOI.

Govt mulling uniforms in tricolour: Min Namakkal: If Class XI students fail in any subject in the board examination, they will get a chance to clear the same while in Class XII, said school education minister K A Sengottaiyan on Saturday. Sengottaiyan also said the state government would introduce tricolour uniform pattern for government school students from the academic year 2018-19. The minister was in Tiruchengode to attend a government function organised to provide temporary recognition to private schools. He also unveiled plans to provide free laptops and Wi-Fi connectivity to Class XI students. “We also have allotted `2.13 crore to set up coaching centres in all the 32 districts for Class XII students to help them to prepare for civil service examination,” he said. TNN

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26.8L cubic metres of silt from lakes to aid TN farmers

Pre-monsoon tiger census at Mudumalai TIMES NEWS NETWORK

work with the government,” the CM said, hinting at local MLA O K Chinnaraj, who switched loyalty to OPS. The Palaniswami government won a trust vote by a margin of 122-11 in the 234 member assembly in February after the opposition was ousted from the assembly. The OPS faction has 11 MLAs, including former ministers S Semmalai and K Pandiarajan. The leaders of the factions have been talking tough, with Semmalai and his supporters

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ly for Amma. The state government will have to complete its full term,” he said. This is the second statement from Palaniswami after he invited OPS faction for merger talks early this month in Chennai. The talks remain a non-starter despite the two sides setting up seven-member committees for negotiation. Palaniswami sought to convey to the rival group that they should fulfil the promises made to voters. “They should

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Trichy: Released after 35 days of imprisonment for her alleged Maoist links, a girl student of Periyar University in Salem has alleged that she suffered police atrocities at the Trichy prison for over a month. She was one among the seven students arrested while proceeding to take part in the Neduvasal stir against the proposed hydrocarbon projects in the state. M Valarmathi, one of the two girls who was released on bail on Saturday, alleged that she was stripped naked six times in the special prison for women. She also claimed that the prison authorities denied them napkins when they were menstruating. The superintendent of special prison for women in Trichy, Komala, rejected her charges and said she was frisked whenever she went out of the prison to court and came back. On charges of her being denied sanitary napkins, Komala said they could not give napkins when they ran out of stock and there was no other reason. TNN

PLEA FOR UNITY: Chief minister Edappadi k Palaniswami speaking at a party function in Mettupalayam on Saturday

passing a resolution in Salem accusing Palaniswami and his faction of orchestrating the merger plan as per the orders of Sasikala family. However, Palaniswami clarified on Saturday that the party was founded only to fight against family politics. “A few worked actively to topple the government and divide the party. But their wishes remain a day dream,” he said. Palaniswami, who had come to Ooty last Thursday for the inauguration of 121st edition of the ‘Flower Show’, started to Chennai on Saturday after inspecting the Pykara dam near Ooty.

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Neduvasal stir: Woman alleges atrocities in jail

Edappadi Palaniswami

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Coimbatore: Chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday called for a reunion of the warring factions of the party to implement the schemes initiated by former CM J Jayalalithaa. “Those who have deviated from the path should return. I appeal for unity to execute the schemes conceived by MGR and Jayalalithaa,” he told a party gathering in Mettupalayam. Palaniswami’s statement comes close on the heels of rebel leader O Panneerselvam meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday. Palaniswami said leaders of the other faction should remind themselves that they had risen in ranks only due to Jayalalithaa. “People cast their votes on-

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* SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI MAY 21, 2017

In Jadhav case, ICJ ruling cannot KEEP DOG, LOSE domestic law: Pakistan HOME, SAY RWAs override Our Position Strong, Matter Will Be Handled As Per Our Law, Says Aziz

Many animal lovers are facing eviction notices from RWAs as neighbourhoods turn increasingly hostile to pets

Naidu: Govt may step in if triple talaq not changed

Docus submitted for cards, loans misused

Amaravati: The government may have to step in and enact a law to ban triple talaq if the Muslim community fails to “change” the practice, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Saturday. “It is for the society to take up the issue and it will be good if the (Muslim) society itself changed the practice. Otherwise, a situation may arise where the government will have to bring in a legislation (banning triple talaq),” Naidu said while addressing a meeting here. “This is not to interfere in anybody’s personal matters, but at the same time it’s a question of justice to women. All women should have equal rights. Equality before law... that’s the issue,” the Union information and broadcasting minister said. He recalled that laws were enacted to rid certain evil practices even in the Hindu society, like child marriage, sati and dowry. “The Hindu society discussed child marriages and Parliament passed a legislation banning it. Second is sati sahagaman, an ancient practice, wherein a woman too ended her life following her husband’s death. Now it is prohibited by law, by the Hindu society itself. Third is dowry. The Dowry Prohibition Act was passed and the Hindu society accepted it,” the Union minister pointed out. PTI

[email protected]

VICTIMS CLUELESS ³ Fraudsters lay their hands on identification documents submitted to banks

³ Use these documents to apply for credit cards or loans in the victim’s name

³ Victim realizes the fraud only when the bank gets in touch with them for payments

graphs,” said an investigating officer with the BCP’s cyber crime police station. While the caller never got back in touch with Kumar, six months ago he was shocked to get a call from SBI stating that he had swiped over `5 lakh using his new credit card and the payment needed to be made. Perturbed, he tried telling the bank that he doesn’t own an SBI card, but in vain. Unable to convince the officials, he finally lodged apolice complaint. Investigation revealed that a credit card was taken in Kumar’s name in Chennai using the documents he had provided and purchases were made to the tune of `5.30 lakh. “The fraudster gave a fake address and phone number for communication and committed the fraud. SBI collection agents tracked down the complainant in Bengaluru with HDFC card details he had furnished which contained his contact details,” the officer added.

To curb drugs tweaked to beat price cap, govt cuts states’ licensing powers New Delhi: The central drug quality regulator has prohibited states from issuing manufacturing licences to new drugs, particularly fixed dose combinations (FDCs), unless approval has been granted by the drugs controller general of India (DCGI). The order comes in the wake of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority’s (NPPA’s) crackdown on leading pharmaceutical companies found selling over 200 medicines without price approval. The pricing authority alleged most of these medi-

cines were FDCs, and raised doubts on whether they had been approved by the DCGI. Pharmaceutical companies often launch new drugs after tweaking drug formulations by combining them with other medicines to circumvent price control. Since manufacturing licences can be sought more easily from state authorities than from the Centre, owing to the scrutiny undertaken by the latter, companies often opt to go through states before launching a drug. However, through the new order, the drug quality regula-

New Delhi: BJP on Saturday accused Congress of being “Pakistan’s voice” for hiring Pakistani-origin lawyer Khawar Qureshi, who represented Pakistan in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), for an arbitration case in 2004. BJP spokesperson G V L Narsimha Rao said Congress must explain why its government hired Qureshi in the “very sensitive” Enron case. The Congress-led UPA government had changed the legal team representing India in the arbitration case against the US firm over the controversial Dabhol power project, he said. This was a question linked to “patriotism”, Rao told reporters. “What was the compulsion that the UPA government hired Qureshi... Over the last

tor has directed states to refuse to grant manufacturing licences for new drugs without the DCGI’s approval. “Drug regulators of some of the manufacturing states have complained that the licensing authorities of certain states and UTs continue to grant licences for the manufacture of new drugs, including FDCs, without prior approval of the DCG(I),” the regulator said in a recent letter to all state drug regulators. It added that the practice was “illegal and not in conformity with the law and would have disastrous consequences”. TNN

gauged by Aziz having to virtually backtrack on his earlier statement that there was no conclusive evidence against Jadhav for being a spy. With the Jadhav case spurring political one-upmanship and inflaming anti-India sentiments, the Sharif government has been left with no choice but to claim that it will not be bound

BJP spokesperson G V L Narsimha Rao said Congress must explain why its government hired Qureshi in the “very sensitive” Enron case

few years we have seen several incidents of Congress speaking in support of Pakistan. It was speaking in Pakistan's voice on the surgical strikes as well,” Rao said. Citing the example of Harish Salve, who was the lead counsel for India at the ICJ this week, he said it was surprising that the UPA government could not find an Indian lawyer to represent the country in such a sensitive case. Rao named Congress leaders Salman Khurshid and Mani Shankar Aiyar as instances of Congress leaders allegedly speaking in support of Pakistan.

New Delhi: Responding to Pakistan’s refusal to abide by the verdict delivered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the execution of alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, senior Congress leader and former law minister Salman Khurshid said it was mandatory to comply with what was asked of them. “The verdict is very clear. When appearing before the ICJ, you are bound by its orders. The ICJ has demanded an update on what is being done to stall the execution of Kulbhushan Jadhav, and Pakistan will have to provide all that is necessary in this regard,” Khurshid said. He argued that Indian rant of victory following the ICJ’s stay at the execution of Jadhav was false because the final verdict was yet to come. “The ICJ gave no verdict regarding consul access,” he added. AGENCIES

by the ICJ ruling that emphatically upheld India’s position that the Indian national’s rights under the Vienna convention have been violated and he has been subject to a sham trial. Pakistan claimed on Saturday that its position in the case against Jadhav is strong and would be clear when the actual hearing begins. But Indian offi-

cials, responding to reports that Pakistan wants to “review” the order, dismissed it saying there was no such procedure. “Wrong to say Pakistan lost at ICJ, court stayed execution, didn’t order consular access to Jadhav,” Aziz told reporters in Islamabad. Defending Pakistan’s position in the wake of ICJ’s order halting Pakistan

from executing Jadhav until a final decision, he said, “Jadhav had confessed to carrying out espionage and terrorist activities inside Pakistan. Not only was Jadhav an Indian citizen, he was in fact an officer in the Indian Navy using a fake passport. He was sentenced according to the country’s law.” Pakistan’s position, he said, would improve on “the matter of jurisdiction and merit”. He added the ICJ had not decided on consular access either and has only intimated that the matter will come under discussion. Speaking to media, Pakistan home minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan too said the country will deal with the issue of Jadhav according to the law of the land. “Kulbhushan Jadhav was involved in anti-state activities. He has been sentenced to death in accordance with the constitution of Pakistan because he was arrested in the country,” Nisar said. For the full report, log on to www.timesofindia.com

In 2004, UPA replaced Salve with Pak lawyer for Enron arbitration Dhananjay.Mahapatra @timesgroup.com

New Delhi: There is a bit of history to the hyped fight between two legal titans — Harish Salve for India and Khawar Qureshi for Pakistan — in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on May 15 in the Kulbhushan Jadav case. Salve’s arguments for India on May 15 had a connect with the judges on ICJ bench, which unanimously rejected Qureshi’s arguments to stall India’s attempts to save Jadhav from possible execution. To mat Qureshi, Salve had charged India `1. More than 15 years ago, there was a curious turn to events when India was forced to face arbitration at an international tribunal in US initiated by Enron over the closure of Dabhol power project. Millions of dollars were at stake for India. Salve, who had quit as solicitor general of India in November 2002, was retained as India’s counsel at the arbitration tribunal. In 2004, the UPA government came to power and a new team of law officers headed by attorney general Milon Banerjee. To manage the high-stake arbitration over Dabhol against Enron, the government

Don’t get over excited about ICJ `20L reward for garlanding Pak PM with Jadhav’s shoes: Cleric order on Jadhav: Sena to govt Mumbai: The Shiv Sena on Saturday asked the government not to get over excited over the ruling given by the International Court of Justice in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case until the Indian national is brought back home safely. It, however, hailed the efforts taken by the external affairs ministry to secure the release of the former Navy officer, who has been sentenced to death by a military court in Pakistan on espionage charges. “Pakistan’s arguments have been decimated in the court at The Hague. But the fight has not ended yet. We cannot forget the handiwork of Pakistan and also Sarabjit Singh’s murder in a Lahore jail. Thus, the government should not get over excited over the ICJ order and remember that worries won’t end till Kulbhushan Jadhav is brought back safely,” the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece ‘Saamana’. PTI

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Bengaluru: Didn’t bother to retrieve copies of your identification documents from a bank executive after an unsuccessful attempt to obtain a bank card or personal loan? You might be in for some serious trouble. Fraudsters have been swindling lakhs of rupees using bank cards and personal loans taken in the names of innocent individuals who would have failed to reclaim their submitted documents. The victims realize they have fallen prey to a fraud only after the concerned bank’s collection agent gets in touch with them to retrieve the money. Many from Bengaluru who have fallen prey to such impersonation scams and faced harassment by banks have approached the Bengaluru city police (BCP). But for some, the struggle to prove their innocence continues. Mahesh Kumar (name changed) from Koramangala received a phone call last August from a man posing as an executive of SBI offering a platinum credit card. “Taking the caller for real and enticed by the credit limit and offers on the card, the complainant sent copies of his documents, including salary slips, passport copy, details of aHDFC credit card he was using and passport-size photo-

Cong should explain for hiring Pak lawyer: BJP

FACING THE HEAT: Foreign policy advisor to Pak PM Nawaz SharifSartaj Aziz is having to virtually backtrack on his earlier statement that there was no conclusive evidence against Jadhav for being a spy

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After her dog barked in a common area, Alka Sobti was told to give up her pet or move out of the Gurugram flat

Islamabad/New Delhi: Under pressure over the adverse ruling in the International Court of Justice in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, Pakistan’s civilian government asserted that the stay on the Indian national’s execution cannot trump domestic law. “They cannot override a country’s laws allowing the death penalty. If according to our laws, someone gets the death penalty, they can’t nullify it,” said Sartaj Aziz, foreign policy advisor to PM Nawaz Sharif. He said Jadhav’s case will be handled according to Pakistani law. Though the setback at the ICJ is largely to due to the Pakistan army’s decision to hold and try Jadhav in a secret military court and his death sentence was confirmed by Pak army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa, it is the Sharif government that is feeling the heat. This can be

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But some desperate owners simply abandon their companions. “Many complexes in Benhen Mandakini Vasudevan took her galuru don’t allow people to keep pets. Families dogs for a stroll on the lawn of her who have been forced to move from such apartapartment complex, the residents’ ments have come and left their dogs at our welfare association told her to take shelter. And I would say those are the lucky a walk instead. Vasudevan, who lives in White- ones as many are often abandoned on the field, Bengaluru, was served an eviction notice streets,” says Chinthana Gopinath, volunteer, for walking her pet Labradors on the lawns and Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA). Pooja Srivastava, a resident of Crossings “other utility spaces”. She now has about a fortRepublik, says she had rented out her flat in night to find her pets and herself a new home. Old neighbourhoods or fancy gated com- Sahibabad in 2015 to a young woman and her father, who had a pet dog. munities — modern India “Three months after movseems to be turning ining in, she abandoned her creasingly pet-hostile. dog unable to bear the conThough no law bans peostant hostility of her neighple from having pets, and bours,” says Srivastava. RWAs have no authority to RWAs have no legal throw out people with aniright to make such rules. mal companions, the real“No one can ask a tenant ity is different. with pets to relocate or ban People with pets are ofpeople from having a pet,” ten denied a home, or says M Ravikumar, secreforced to vacate. RWAs tary, Animal Welfare Board come up with their own of India. The organisation rules and regulations, and had issued a circular statimpose fines if these are ing that RWAs and apartviolated. Supertech Livingment owners’ associations stone apartments in Cross“cannot legally introduce ings Republik residential any sort of ‘ban’ on the township, Ghaziabad came keeping of pet dogs”. Nor out with a set of rules for can they ban pets from uspet owners in the April 2017 ing lifts, gardens or parks. issue of their society’s inPet owners are also house magazine. Any new DOG DAYS: Folks are using social media to asked to show responsible family with a pet dog or any connect with pet-friendly home owners ownership by ensuring other animal seeking to their pets are vaccinated, rent a flat in the society had putting them on a leash in to seek permission from public spaces, and cleaning the neighbours before they up after them. “If your dog moved in. Pets had to be is aggressive, it is reasonmuzzled when they stepped able that you muzzle it in out their homes and mainpublic areas,” says Chinny tain a distance of three Krishna, co-founder of metres from kids while beBlue Cross of India. ing walked in the premises. Pet lovers are also takDog owners were also ing it upon themselves to asked to use the service lift instead of the main lift to keep the pets away help out each other. ‘Pet Friendly Houses For from children. However, the society rolled back Rent’, a Facebook group, seeks to connect pet the rules in the May issue after getting flak for owners with those who are willing to open their doors to their furry friends. House owners like the absurd and discriminatory restrictions. Sometimes, pet owners are forced to look Chennaiite Vishnu Raju hope to help out kinfor a new home. Gurugram-based Alka Sobti dred souls. “Years ago, when I started working had to move out of an apartment complex last in Bengaluru and wanted to have a dog, my year after her dog barked in the common area. landlord refused to allow me,” says the 33-year“My little one was on a leash and just barked old software consultant, who now has a place at a group of children who were playing there. of his own in Bengaluru where he keeps RottPeople complained to my landlord and I was weilers. “I decided to join the FB group and rent asked to either abandon my dogs or vacate the out my home in Tambaram, Chennai, to a pet apartment,” says Sobti. “I obviously chose my lover who really needs it. And since it is an independent house, no one can protest,” he laughs. dogs and moved.” Priya Menon, Ayaskant Das & Shilpy Arora | TNN

Omer Farooq Khan & Indrani Bagchi TNN

chose Fox and Mandal law firm. Union government sources said, Salve was sounded out whether he would continue as India’s counsel in the arbitration proceedings. Salve confirmed and informed the new government that he would continue to charge a concessional fee of `1 lakh per day’s hearing in the US-based tribunal. However, all of a sudden there was a change of decision and Fox and Mandal was informed to hire Khawar Qureshi. India lost both ways, the case to Enron and a lot of money

Kolkata: A Muslim cleric has offered a reward of `20 lakh for anyone who puts a garland of Kulbhushan Jadhav’s shoes around the neck of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, saying that the Indian citizen has been sentenced to death in a frivolous case. Syed Sha Atef Ali al Quaderi was in the news recently for issuing a ‘fatwa’ against Sonu Nigam after the singer had raised objection to the use of loudspeakers in shrines to send out sermons. He has offered a reward of `20 lakh for anyone who puts a garland of Jadhav’s shoes around Sharif’s neck and parades him across India. The cleric said on Saturday that there will be no deadline for the job. “Pakistan calls itself an Islamic country, but it is giving shelter to terrorists and supporting terror. It’s the job of its prime minister to take strict action against terrorism,” he said. PTI

that was paid to Qureshi as legal fees. Salve confirmed to TOI that he had agreed to conduct the case for India in the tribunal despite change of government. “It was a professional decision to defend India in the tribunal. But, I learned from media reports later that Qureshi was hired and I could become his deputy. That was not what I was told by the government. So I had decided to keep away wishing India the best.” Salve refused to get drawn any further into the controver-

sy steadfastly refusing to divulge any more details of how he was replaced by Qureshi in 2004. An article from 2004 in ‘The Lawyer’, states that Serle Court chambers’ lawyer Khawar Qureshi had been appointed as counsel for the government of India. A host of UK firms had been invited to take India’s case. A spokesperson from the previous law firm had said: “Following the appointment of the new attorney general, the entire legal team, including the Indian advisers, was replaced.”

‘Provided proof of consular access violation’ From P1 alve added, “ICJ has lot of other work to do too. Once it has given a detailed hearing to both sides and arrived at a decision on provisional measures, it would naturally, at its convenience and depending on its work exigencies, proceed in due course to hear India’s plea and Pakistan’s counter. Till the final hearing followed by final decision of ICJ becomes a reality, the provisional measures asking Pakistan to hold its hand on execution of Jadhav will remain in force.” He said India had provided robust proof of continuous violation of VCCA

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by Pakistan in repeatedly denying India consular access to Jadhav, when he was in detention, when he was put to trial and even after he was convicted and condemned. Pakistan had cited the 2008 bilateral treaty to step around its obligations under VCCA, which was rejected by the ICJ, he said. India was also able to convince the ICJ that there was an impending danger to Jadhav’s life after a military court sentenced him to death on the charges of spying, Salve said. He said India could also establish a link between the denial of consular access to Jadhav could have seriously impeded his legal defence. ICJ took this seriously and sought an

assurance from Pakistan about non-execution of Jadhav, he said, adding Pakistan attempted to step around this question from ICJ by citing that till 150 days from the death sentence, Pakistani law permitted Jadhav to seek clemency. Salve said ICJ viewed this as no assurance against possible execution of Jadhav. India had moved ICJ on May 8 and as no appropriate bench was available to deliberate on India’s urgent plea, ICJ president was convinced to write to Pakistan to hold its hands till a detailed hearing on provisional measures on May 15. India drove home its points well on May 15 and earned a reprieve for Jadhav.

Govt’s decision a strong message to DRDO, def firms From P1 owever, due to the stiff resistance put up by the public sector lobby against the SP policy, defence PSUs, shipyards and OFB will also be eligible to compete with private sector companies for selection as SPs in the submarine and armoured vehicle segments. As per the SP roadmap, which will take almost a year to unfold, officials said only one company will be selected as the SP at a time in each of the four segments in “a transparent and competitive process” for the long-term partnership. The defence ministry will select the companies on the basis of adequate financial strength (` `4,000 crore in annual turnover over the last three fiscals, capital assets of `2,000 crore etc), demonstrable manufacturing and technical expertise, existing infrastructure and the ability to absorb technology from their foreign partners. A company’s record of “wilful default, debt restructuring and non-performing assets” will also be taken into account by the defence ministry. The foreign companies or

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MAJOR PROJECTS AWAITING

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP HELICOPTERS

FIGHTERS

➤ Navy needs 147 multi-role helicopters (MRHs) with anti-submarine warfare capabilities ➤ Initial procurement case of 16 MRHs from Sikorsky set to be scrapped now ➤ Navy inducting 4/5 warships per year but has run out of new MRHs ➤ 110 twin-engine naval light utility helicopters also needed to replace obsolete Chetaks

➤ IAF wants 2nd singleengine fighter production line after indigenous Tejas fighter ➤ American F-16s & Swedish Gripen-E jets in contention ➤ IAF needs 44 fighter squadrons (each with 18 jets) but down to just 33 ➤ 100 “improved” Tejas Mark-1A to come in 2020-2026

ARMOURED VEHICLES

SUBMARINES

➤ Army wants FRCVs (future ready combat vehicles or tanks) and FICVs (future infantry combat vehicles) in years ahead ➤ 60,000-crore FICV project, with 2 private sector players and Ordnance Factory Board, yet to be finalised ➤ US has proposed a trilateral project with Israel for FICVs under the defence technology & trade Initiative

➤ Over Rs 70,000-crore ‘Project-75-India’ for six ‘stealth diesel-electric subs got initial approval in Nov 2007 ➤ But defence/private shipyard & foreign collaborator not yet selected ➤ Will take 8-10 years for 1st sub to roll out after contract inked ➤ Navy has just 13 old conventional subs. Six Scorpene subs ( 23,652cr project at Mazagon Docks) to come in 2017-2021

original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will be selected,

in a separate but parallel process, primarily on the basis of

the “range, depth and scope” of the transfer of technology

(ToT) they are willing to offer. Other criteria will include the indigenous content, ecosystem development, supplier base and future R&D, among other things. “The policy is aimed at developing the defence industrial ecosystem in the country through the involvement of major Indian corporates as well as the MSME sector. It will give a boost to the ‘Make in India’ policy and set the Indian industry on the path to acquire cutting-edge capabilities which will contribute to the building of self-reliance in the vital sector of national security requirements,” said an official. “The Indian industry partners would tie up with global OEMs to seek technology transfers and manufacturing know-how to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains,” he added. The SP policy was to be part of the new Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), which came into effect in April 2016. But it could not be finalised till now, further delaying the proposed projects for a new fighter production line as well as the `70,000 crore project to build six new-generation stealth submarines.

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Kamalendu Bhadra

[email protected]

akshin Mashaldanga, north Bengal: For the past six weeks, teena g er Bilal Sheikh and his friends have a simple routine. Every evening they cycle to Nazirhaat, a small kasbah, about two kms away. Sometimes they tur n up unannounced at a friend’s home. Occasionally they find space for themselves at a youth club. When neither of the two options is available, they simply stand outside an electronic goods store and gaze inside. Sheikh and company are addicted to cricket. Watching IPL on television every day is one of the non-negotiable aspects of their life. “I even stay overCOOCH night at my friend’s if BEHAR the match becomes a nail-biter and it’s too TELLY MANIA: Boys on their way to watch IPL late to return home,” says Maidul Haq, 18, Parimal Roy, gram panGetting education isn’t easy either. who plays as an allchayat member. An A primary school is two km away and INDIA rounder for his estimated 60% of the a high school another three km. BANGLADESH school team. population are Hindus, “There is not even a primary health Nearly years ago, the rest are Muslims. centre,” says Goutam. Dakshin Mashaldanga In the past, Dakshin But it is lack of electricity that the ceased to be a Bangladeshi Mashaldanga was a nervous village’s main gripe. “After a hard chitmahal (enclave) and became Bangladeshi enclave surrounded day’s work, watching cricket or a few part of mainland India. But the abby Indian villages from all sides. Enfilm songs on TV can be extremely sence of electricity even now rankles forcing law was a tedious and labyrinrelaxing. This is what we miss,” says among all, especially cricket-crazy thine endeavour. Murder or dacoity, it Parimal. teenagers like Bilal and Maidul who would be days before cops arrived Nonetheless, hope floats. One can can’t watch the IPL at home. from the other side of the border. see a newly-installed solar panel near According to a landmark boundary “Now we feel safe. Our days of fear a corn field. And the electricity poles, agreement in July 2015, a total of 162 are over,” says farmer Goutam Roy. standing tall in a sea of parrot green, enclaves involving about 37,000 people Running tap water remains a pipe foretell that the days of candles are were exchanged between India and dream. However, water is available numbered. “The solar panel was set Bangladesh. Bangladesh got 111 encourtesy hand pumps which most up in February. But we still live in claves spread over 17,995 acres. India homes have. “But the water table is darkness,” says Goutam. received 51, including Dakshin Mashalgoing down. You have to dig 40 feet to Till then the teenagers must ride danga, covering an area of 7,110 acres. find water. And there are no signs of to Nazirhaat for their IPL fix. “We Post-exchange of land and people, pipelines yet,” says Azibar Miyah, a have even tried watching cricket at most believed that the village, which marginal farmer. home on the Hotstar app. But the inis part of Cooch Behar district’s Dinternet connectivity is too weak,” says hata sub-division, would soon be on Bilal, who always wears a KKR jersey the fast track to progress. All villages under the shirt he wears. had been promised a development Priest Gouranga Chatterjee package. For most that roughly transsums up the mood, “Enclave lated into availability of electricity people are optimistic by and water, better roads and security. nature. We are patient A visit to Dakshin Mashaldanga too. We waited for decades for shows distinct signs of advancement. the enclave swap. And we know A huge road roller is in action levelelectricity too will come one day.” ling a freshly constructed road that Then he smiles and adds, “And snakes through this village of 1200 odd then nobody would have to go to voters. “Soon, it will be tarred,” says Nazirhaat to watch cricket.” —PARIMAL ROY

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‘Families Of Martyrs Must Not Suffer’ Nathu La (Sikkim): Home minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday announced that the family of each paramilitary jawan who died in action will be given a compensation of `1 crore each. He also declared that 34,000 posts of paramilitary constables were upgraded as head constables. Addressing a ‘Sainik Sammelan’ of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Force at the Sherathang border outpost, the home minister said the nation appreciates and is proud of the sacrifice of its paramilitary jawans. The paramilitary forces have been fighting the Naxals in central and eastern parts of the country, terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, and guarding the borders in inhospitable terrains. “The sacrifice of our jawans cannot be compensated with money. But the families

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PROVIDING RELIEF: Rajnath

of martyrs should not face any difficulty. Therefore, I will ensure that family of each paramilitary jawan gets at least `1 crore as compensation,” he said. The announcement came nearly a month after the killing of 25 CRPF jawans by Naxals at Sukma in Chhattisgarh. Earlier, the home minister visited the India-China border post here and reviewed the security situation. The home minister said a lot has been done for the welfare of paramilitary personnel but much more needs to be done in coming days. Singh asked the ITBP jawans to use the recently

5 get bail as day-to-day Babri trial on Lucknow: A special CBI court began on Saturday day-to-day hearings in the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case, as ordered last month by the Supreme Court. The apex court has directed that the trial be concluded in two years. Five of the six suspects summoned on the first day of the trial — Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, Mahant Ram Vilas Vedanti, Baikunth Lal Sharma alias Prem Ji, Champat Rai Bansal and Dharma Das — were remanded in judicial custody by CBI judge S K Yadav, and subsequently released on bail. The sixth, Dr Satish Pradhan, could not appear before the court. The hearing will resume on Monday. TNN

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After a hard day’s work, watching cricket or a few film songs on TV can be relaxing. This is what we miss

PTI

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Without electricity, cricket-crazy youth in this former Bangladeshi enclave have to cycle a few kilometres to catch matches

`1 crore aid to kin of martyred paramilitary jawans: Rajnath

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How a powerless village gets its IPL fix

* SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI MAY 21, 2017

2 infiltrators, 2 soldiers killed in J&K Srinagar: Two soldiers were martyred and two terrorists were killed in crossfire on Saturday evening in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district during an infiltration bid. Sources told TOI that the encounter was triggered after the Army spotted suspicious movement along the Naugam sector of the Line of Control (LoC). Four to five terrorists were trying to cross over to the Indian side. “The militants fired at soldiers. In the exchange of fire, two soldiers and two militants and two soldiers also lost their lives,” a source said. He further said the Army has started an search operation to flush out more terrorists. TNN

launched mobile app by the home ministry to register their grievances, including personal problems, so that the ministry can try to resolve them. The home minister also promised to look into the demand of the ITBP to bring uniformity in high altitude allowances. The total length of the Sino-Indian border is 3,488km of which 1,597km runs through Jammu and Kashmir, 200km in Himachal Pradesh, 345km in Uttarakhand, 220km in Sikkim and 1,126km in Arunachal Pradesh. The border is not fully demarcated and the process of clarifying and confirming

the Line of Actual Control is in progress. The border areas, which are located at high altitudes, have inadequate development and infrastructure facilities. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police force (ITBP) guards this border and has established 173 Border Out Posts (BOPs) . Out of these BOPs, 35 are in the western sector (Jammu and Kashmir), 71 in the middle sector (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand) and 67 in the eastern sector (Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh). The home minister also interacted with Army jawans at the ‘Sammelan’. PTI

Badrinath highway reopened, many stranded pilgrims resume journey Gaurav Talwar & Kautilya Singh TNN

Dehradun: After a joint operation, which continued overnight, the state authorities and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) opened the Rishikesh-Badrinath national highway for light-motor vehicles (four wheelers) on Saturday evening. A massive landslide at Hathi Parvat, near Vishnuprayag, in Chamoli district on Friday afternoon left thousands of pilgrims stuck at different places of the hill district. However, on Saturday morning, more than 2,800 people crossed the slide zone using an alternative pedestrian route, which is around 2km from the affected area. Uttarakhand urban development minister Madan Kaushik said efforts were underway to open the route for

HARROWING EXPERIENCE: Armymen helping devotees stranded at the Badrinath highway due to landslide on Saturday

heavy vehicles also from Sunday. Meanwhile, Chamoli police have established a mess at Joshimath police station and distributing free food packets to pilgrims who got stranded and were accommodated in gurdwaras, hotels, lodges and guesthouses in

Joshimath, Govindghat and Pandukeshwar. Even the Army had established a temporary camp with basic amenities for the pilgrims. The government has also launched tourist helpline numbers — 1070, 0135-2710334, 01372-251437 and 1077— for Char Dham pilgrimage.

1killed as bus catches fire after falling in pit: Lucknow: A passenger was killed on Saturday and 23 others were injured as a bus caught fire after it came in touch with an electric wire at Jaspura village. The UP State Road Transport Corporation bus was on its way to Hamirpur from Banda when the incident occurred. PTI

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SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI * MAY 21, 2017

‘LDF rule fostered a healthy political culture’ Govt gears up to counter charge it didn’t create jobs

All Major & Minor Projects Announced By This Govt On Track, Says Kerala CM

two governments, the state and the Centre are sharing a cordial relation,” he said. Regarding the controversy with regards to inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inaugurating Kochi Metro, he said inauguration is a matter of propriety and he does not believe in trying to grab such opportunities. Putting to rest the theories that the CPM was planning for a state-wide alliance with Kerala Congress (M), Vijayan clarified that the government will not intervene in the bar bribery case, involving KCM leader K M Mani. He said that with regards to the local bodies, the CPM stand is to keep the BJP and Congress at bay. TNN

Dipak.Dash @timesgroup.com

New Delhi: The government has asked all ministries and departments to prepare details of both direct and indirect employment generated from central schemes during the past three years to blunt criticism that it’s term so far has failed to create enough jobs. The ministries have been asked to come out with the data by Monday. The decision was taken at a meeting earlier this week in a meeting chaired by information and broadcasting secretary. TOI has learnt that all information officers have been asked to complete the task quickly, though it’s a tough one considering that the exercise to map both direct and indirect jobs is being undertaken for the first time. “The task is also to estimate the potential num-

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political culture. While showcasing the LDF government’s achievements, the chief minister mainly stressed on the welfare measures and social justice measures initiated for the labourers and working class. He focused on the cashew, coir, fisheries and handloom sectors, explaining how his government was able to turn around these sectors which were once believed to be without any future. Briefly going to the infrastructure projects, he said that those projects which people

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has clarified that the state government does not intend to strain the relations between the Centre and the state. The chief minister’s statement comes at a time when tension between the CPM and BJP escalated to the extent of affecting the Centre-state relations. In the news conference held here, on Saturday, he said that however, in some matters, some of the policies pursued by the Centre were inviting criticism, which will be dealt politically. “When an all-party delegation was planning to go to Delhi, they denied permission to which we have registered our strong opposition. But apart from that, as

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LAUDING EFFORTS: Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan

‘State wishes for cordial relations with Centre’

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Thiruvananthapuram: The LDF government’s main achievement in the last one year was that it could evolve a healthy political culture, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said here on Saturday. In probably the lengthiest news conference addressed by him, in connection with the first anniversary of the LDF government, the chief minister stressed on the social welfare measures initiated by the LDF government without any fresh project or policy announcements. He said that though the UDF had ruled the state in the past, the last UDF government took the state to a situation of lowest ever political culture by mixing power, corruption and immoral ways. The LDF government’s main task was to expose such unhealthy tendencies that happened then and cleansing the

were pessimistic about during the tenure of the UDF are on track now. He cited the examples of national highways, GAIL pipeline and the power transmission line from Koodankulam, and said that those who opposed these projects have now stopped their opposition as people have started believing that these will actually materialised here. “The government is not of the idea to turn a blind eye towards their losses. They will be compensated for their losses but will not relent to such opposition in the road to development,” he said. He said that the state was lagging much behind in infrastructure development, and this scenario is changing now. He cited the examples of Kochi Metro, Kannur airport and Vizhinjam project that were moving in a time-bound manner nearing completion. For the full report, log on to www.timesofindia.com

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TIMES NEWS NETWORK

20-day ‘Modi Fest’ to mark 3 yrs of NDA New Delhi: The BJP plans to organise “Modi Fest” in districts across the country from May 26 to June 15 to celebrate “good governance” during three years of the BJP-ruled government at the Centre. The party’s senior leaders have held several rounds of meetings to finalise the plan. PM Modi will launch the third anniversary celebrations on May 26 from Guwahati, where he will hold a public rally and is likely to make some announcements to make it momentous. TNN

ber of jobs that can be created because of the ongoing schemes and programmes,” said an official privy to the development. The official said all the data will be collated and will be taken to people through proper communication strategies. The recent report of government’s labour bureau showed job generation has been anaemic at only 1.1% last year. An earlier report had pegged joblessness at a fiveyear high of 5% in 2015. The

BJP had promised to generate two crore jobs annually in its poll manifesto. Considering that unemployment is a critical aspect which the government needs to address, the Modi government has made it a norm that every Cabinet proposal must specify how many jobs a project or programme is likely to generate. These details are mentioned in the official statements that the government releases after every Cabinet meeting.

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‘Fin autonomy of local bodies won’t be affected’ Mumbai: Maharashtra government said it would ensure that the goods and services tax (GST) does not hamper financial autonomy of local self government bodies, as the special threeday session of the state legislature began here on Saturday. “The government has accepted the responsibility of compensation to local bodies for five years, for the loss of revenue due to abolition of octroi and local body tax due to GST,” finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar told the state assembly during a discussion on GST bills. Around 5,100 staffers in finance department have been trained for work related to GST implementation, Mungantiwar said, adding another 6,000 will be trained later. The House passed the Bill to provide for compensation of Mumbai and other local authorities for loss of revenue arising on account of abolition of octroi and local body tax due to implementation of GST’ on Saturday. PTI

will result in the premium coming down while the tax rate will remain. For non-life companies the issue is getting advantage of input tax credit. Under the service tax regime insurance has been among the list of businesses for which input tax credit is not available. As it stands the GST regime continues to exempt insurance from benefits of input tax credit. “The government has continued with the existing exemptions under the GST regime. When there are exemptions the entire value chain of credit gets lost,” Gopal Balachandran, chief financial officer, ICICI Lombard. As a result the incidence of higher tax will fall on

the customer. Life insurers say that input tax credit advantage will vary according to the level of maturity of a company and the benefits can be calculated only after a period of time. Also while taxes can be passed on any revision in charges will require approval from the regulator. Given the increase in the cost of health cover, premium on mediclaim policies have soared with families spending `20 to `25,000 on health insurance alone. The outgo will now rise by 3%. Banking too will see a marginal increase in charges. However, since most of the earnings are through interest spreads the impact will be limited to loan

Tax refunds to exporters within 10 days: Sitharaman TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: Commerce minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday that the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will help improve exports and assured exporters that they would get their tax refunds within 6 to 7 days under the new regime. “I feel the GST is only going to help in improving our exports and also since the input credits have been very well worked out the inputs for exporters is going to cost less and they are going to be far more competitive. Exports are zero rated will be refunded. There will be an ease of refund in the system,” Sitharaman told a news conference where she detailed the performance of her ministry during the three-year rule of the Narendra Modi government. “On the refund, we are very very clear that 90% of the advanced money (paid by exporters in the

Commerce minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the export performance in the past few months have been encouraging and asserted that it would be sustained in the months ahead GST regime) will be refunded within 6 to 10 days, after which an interest of about 6% will be given for any delay by the government to exporters,” she said. Sitharaman also said her ministry had requested the GST Council to devise an alternative system of refunds for small and medium enterprises instead of asking them to pay first and then claim the refund. She said the export performance in the past few months have been encouraging and asserted that it would be sustained in the months ahead. “Notwithstanding the global headwinds, our exporters

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he nominees must be Indians, he insisted, ruling out scrutiny by involving international technical experts. EC, which firmly maintains that its EVMs are fully tamper-proof, is approaching the challenge with complete confidence as par-

make it a different machine and hence could not be guaranteed by EC to give correct result. “Such a scenario is completely ruled out within our administrative safeguards,” Zaidi said. EC expect the challenge to last 4-5 days. Asked whether he would take moral respon-

Paper trail will settle row, says CEC Zaidi New Delhi: CEC Nasim Zaidi ruled out on Saturday India’s return to the ballot paper system, saying that all the participants at the May 12 all-party meeting, bar three to four, favoured EVMs along with 100% paper trail. Zaidi insisted that with voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) set to be deployed on full scale in future polls, the controversy over the reliability of the election process should finally be set to rest. “(With VVPAT) The voter will be able to see for ties including BSP and AAP that alleged tampering of EVMs in UP and Punjab, have failed to substantiate the charge. “People who questioned reliability of EVMs have not yet submitted any proof or credible material to support their claim,” Zaidi told reporters. Though AAP has been alleging manipulation of EVMs in Punjab, no more than 4-5 election petitions have been filed in the state. The challenge will be open only to parties that participated in the recent state polls and will be overseen by EC’s technical experts committee, an independent body comprising IIT experts. Rejecting the demand that parties be allowed to change the internal circuit of EVM to prove their tampering charge, the CEC insisted that any such alteration would

himself where his vote has gone,” he added. Zaidi said the technology and security features of the EC’s EVMs were far superior to those of models used in countries that eventually stopped using them. Unlike foreign-made prototypes, the EC’s EVMs are standalone machines with no external connectivity and have a onetime programmable chip. This, he said, makes it hackproof. TNN sibility in case a machine is successfully tampered, Zaidi said it would be seen at that moment. He also said the event should not be seen as a “prestige issue”. Parties must mandatorily confirm their interest in the challenge by sending an email to EC by 5pm on May 26 furnishing details of the nominees. Each party that confirms participation will be allowed to choose any four EVMs used in the said polls. EC has divided the challenge into two parts: Challenge 1, which shall involve a demonstration of the challenger’s claim that EVMs, with the results still loaded in it, were tampered with and results altered in favour of a given party or candidate after the polls. Challenge II would require parties to prove that the EVM was tampered before or during the poll.

Surendra Singh & Chethan Kumar | TNN

Srinagar: As consultations to work out product-wise levies began here on Thursday, state finance ministers, cutting across party lines, said they were working on rolling out goods and services tax from July. The statements came amid suggestions from West Bengal finance minister Amit Mitra that businesses were not ready for a transition and this could impact the economy and state finances. While Mitra did not recommend a date, there have been suggestions in some quarters that it would be better to launch the biggest tax reform initiative from September. The outer limit for

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n 1981, when India’s space scientists grappled with the challenge of finding a metal-free transportable platform for a new satellite, they trusted a creaking old bullock cart. That bullock cart has long since been replaced by a state-of-the-art satellite transportation system (STS). But this high-tech carrier still relies on two humans to ferry the super-valuable cargo. Jagadish S and M Suresh are no ordinary drivers. The duo, both in their 40s, are trained to carry Isro’s sophisticated satellites or spacecraft to Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) or Sriharikota rocket launch centre in Andhra Pradesh from the Bengaluru satellite centre. The distance from Bengaluru to Andhra is 380km, which normally takes just about seven hours. But for an Isro convoy, it takes over a day to complete the road mission.

MAPPING EVERY POTHOLE: Before the journey of Isro’s trusted trailer (KA 03 6806) starts, the entire route is mapped. For example, for transporting the 1,350-kg Mars Orbiter Mission spacecraft on October 2, 2013, Jagadish and Suresh first went on a road recce. They noted down everything meticulously — from the number of speed-breakers to dangling wires and potholes. If a road on the route did not meet standards, authorities were intimated and repair work done on priority.

ALL SET: Arun Jaitley

GST rollout is mid-September given that the Constitution amendment provided a one-year window. “Now it’s only a question of details. We are working towards the July1deadline. Most of the issues have been sorted out but we need to ensure that the exercise is revenue-neutral (which will not impact consumers),” said Kerala finance minister Thomas Isaac, while demanding a minimum 5% levy on gold. “Gold is luxury, not a necessity. In the last one decade, price has quadrupled and nobody had any problem. So what is the big trouble with a 5% tax,” he said. States are split over how much should be the levy with those such as Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra backing a lower 1% tax on the yellow metal. Tax ministers have huddled in the high-security conference centre next to Dal Lake to workout product-specific rates while deciding on slabs for service tax. Given the support, most issues are expected to be resolved at the two-day meeting of the GST Council. It consists of state FMs and is headed by union finance minister Arun Jaitley.

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EC confident about EVM challenge, says it’s not a prestige issue

have really performed. Some of the sectors have withstood the headwinds and performed consistently in the last six months and maintained the upward trend. Our exports are living up to expectations,” she said adding that schemes devised by the ministry had helped arrest the decline. She said the upward trend in exports was sustainable. Exports rose 5% to reach $276 billion in 2016-17 and in the past few months had reversed the declining trend. Commenting on the concern of exporters over the appreciation of the rupee, Sitharaman said they are fairly seized of this.

Before the journey to the stars, a slow trip on Indian roads

BLACKOUT: To ensure that no

HUMBLE BEGINNING: On Nov 21, 1963, rocket parts were carried by scientists on bicycles to a remote church in Kerala’s Thumba that was turned into a launchpad from where India’s first sounding rocket was successfully launched

Source: Isro

Mumbai: For the middle class an immediate impact of GST would be the higher premium outgo due to the increase in rate of tax on insurance following implementation of the Goods and Services Tax. For families that own a car and pay for health and term insurance the increase in annual outgo would be close to `1,000. “The immediate impact will be an increase in the tax from 15% to 18% which will have to be borne by customers,” said Tapan Singhel, MD, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance. He added that going forward companies will work out if there is any positive impact of tax credit. If there is a positive impact this

processing fees, card fees, penalties and remittance charges. Life insurance is slightly different. While term insurance is categorised as risk premium and taxed in line with motor and health insurance, life policies with a health component are taxed differently. “Savings products like Endowment and ULIP have a large component of consumer savings other than risk premium. Service Tax (without cess) was 14.5% on pure risk products, 3.5% of first year and subsequent 1.75% on Endowment, 14% on ULIP insurer charges which are composite of risk and fund management fees,” said Joydeep K Roy, Partner and Leader- Insurance, PwC India. According to Roy GST had to be implemented sensitively on these different categories of products. “Considering the low penetration of insurance in India, Micro Insurance or certain instances below a threshold need to be exempt from GST,” he said

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[email protected]

While term insurance is categorised as risk premium and taxed in line with motor and health insurance, life policies with a health component are taxed differently

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Annual Outgo To Increase By `1,000

Working to launch GST from July: State FMs

harm came to the spacecraft’s complex wiring and electronic system, all electricity wires on the route were marked and electricity boards told to cut off power supply when the convoy passed through.

AT SNAIL’S PACE: Even small vibrations could cause problems, so the speed limit of the trailer was maintained at 25 kmph. Slow, sure and safe was the mantra. Drivers took turns to drive the vehicle because the low-speed journey was very tiring.

VIP CONVOY: Nothing’s left to chance. From mechanics for the vehicle to CISF personnel, intelligence officials, local police, scientists, technicians, everybody’s either behind or ahead of the vehicle.

New sat launches to usher in high-speed internet era in India Surendra.Singh @timesgroup.com

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Insurance premiums set to go up under GST regime

* SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI MAY 21, 2017

New Delhi: Despite overtaking the US last year to become the world’s second largest internet user base after China, India is still behind many Asian countries when it comes to internet speed. But things are set to change in the next 18 months when Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to usher in an age of highspeed internet in the country with the launch of three communication satellites. Speaking to TOI, Isro chairman Kiran Kumar said, “We will launch three communication satellites. GSAT-19 in June and GSAT-11 and GSAT-20 thereafter. GSAT-19 will be launched by GSLV-Mk III, Isro’s next-generation launch vehicle boosted by an indigenous cryogenic engine that is capable of carrying a fourtonne satellite to the geosynchronous transfer orbit. These satellites will use multiple spot beams (a special kind of transponder that operates on a high frequency) that will increase internet speed and connectivity. These multiple spot beams will cover the entire country.” A spot beam is a satellite signal that is specially concentrated (sent by a highgain antenna located on the satellite) so that it covers only a limited geographic area

These satellites will use multiple spot beams (a special kind of transponder that operates on a high frequency) that will increase internet speed and connectivity on earth. The narrower the beam, more is the power. The three satellites will reuse “beams” (signals) several times over smaller areas. In contrast, traditional satellite technology uses a broad single beam to cover wide regions. Tapan Misra, director of Ahmedabad-based Space Application Centre, told TOI, “We are entering a new era of telecommunication with the launch of three GSLV satellites. These systems in satellites, once operational, will be capable of providing high-quality internet, telephone and video services.” He said the country’s “population density has increased over the years but the data rate has not. That is one of the key reasons of call drops”. Misra said the effective data rate of earlier-launched GSAT satellites is one gigabyte per second. GSAT-19, on the other hand, will be able to transfer data at four gigabytes per second, thus making it equivalent to four satellites. This satellite will use eight beams. “GSAT-11, which is heavier than

GSAT-19, will be launched by the year-end and will use 16 beams. It will be able to transfer data at the rate of 13 gigabytes per second. GSAT-20, whose launch is set at the end of 2018, will use 40 beams. Each beam will have two polarisations, which will effectively make them 80 beams. This satellite will have data rate of 60-70 gigabytes per second,” the director said. The number of internet users in the country is expected to reach 450-465 million by June, up 4-8% from 432 million in December 2016, according to a report from the Internet and Mobile Association of India. However, the country, with just 4.1 Mbps average connection speed, ranked a poor 105th on the world’s fastest internet connectivity speed list, said a report by a USbased cloud service provider. India is way behind South Korea (the leader with 26.3 Mbps) and Hong Kong ( 20Mbps), Sri Lanka (6 Mbps), Vietnam (6.3Mbps) and China (5.7Mbs). The three satellites will be the game-changer for India.

Constantly in touch with Nagaland, dialogue Eye goes missing from will ensure peaceful NE, says Manipur CM corpse in MP hosp Manash.Gohain @timesgroup.com

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anipur chief minister N Biren Singh says that Nagaland and his two-month-old government are on the same page on the urgency to restore peace and normalcy in the north-east. In an exclusive interview to TOI in Delhi, Singh blamed previous governments for widening the the ‘hills vs valley’ divide and said China’s domineering presence in the neighbourhood made lifting AFSPA difficult. ■ How are relations among the north-eastern states? Things have not been cordial, especially with Nagaland... We are trying to have a peaceful north-east, free of insurgency and communal tension and we are having dialogue. Disturbances were created by people with vested interest. There has been no disruptions since our government came to power as we are constantly speaking with the Nagaland government. Moreover, within Manipur we have made it clear before any kind of disruption or protest the first thing they should do is approach us and have a dialogue. Whatever good governments in the region are doing, we would like to emulate, like

[email protected]

Within Manipur we have made it clear before any kind of disruption or protest the first thing they should do is approach us and have a dialogue N BIREN SINGH Manipur CM Pema Khandu’s (Arunachal Pradesh CM) initiative for job creation and employment schemes for the youth or the gender inclusive policies of (Sarbananda) Sonowal (Assam CM) government. We are discussing with our counterparts as the larger aim is for regional development. ■ What has been your view on AFSPA? I was the MLA who demanded lifting of AFSPA and we even agitated. It has been partially revoked from urban areas. But with a country like China on your border we cannot ignore the possibility of anything. The government will definitely review lifting AFSPA when the situation improves. ■ How are you dealing with the ‘hill-valley’ divide? It has been happening because of mistrust and lack of equality in development in

the state. The majority Meitei community has not done that intentionally. The geographical inequality has fuelled by mistakes of previous governments. I have requested the PM for a topographical needbased budget. In the hills because of the geographical factor you cannot develop the region with small investments. It should be ten times of the cost which is spent on the valley. ■ With three BJP-led governments in the region and the party also part of the Nagaland government, what has BJP has to offer north-eastern states? BJP can give equality among different communities. Already north-east, particularly, Manipur has been divided on ethnic lines, which is unfortunate. Now BJP’s mission under PM Narendra Modi is to have equality among the communities. There will be no discrimina-

tion. ■ There has been exodus of the youth from the state in the past... Yes, because of blockades and unrests. Students want to learn and study. That window is very small and so they are leaving. Now with the situation improving, the academic situation too will and students will continue their education in Manipur itself. ■ What are your focus areas for economic development? In Manipur, I am trying to focus on tourism. I went to Siroi hills in Ukhrul district, which is the only place in the world where you find the rare species of Siroi lily. I was amazed to see thousands of people from the valley already visiting the place. So the government is identifying areas were tourism can be promoted. Another area is agriculture and horticulture production. My government, with guidance from the Centre, would promote food processing in a bigger way. We would also set up cold storages. With the power supply improving, this can be a crucial revenue model for us.

Bhopal: The eye of a 26-yearold woman was found missing after her body was taken out of the morgue at a hospital in Gwalior on Saturday. While doctors claimed the eye was gouged out by lizards, the deceased’s family alleged foul play. On Saturday, when her family arrived to claim the body, they found her right eye was missing. The authorities, however, couldn’t give an explanation for the same, further arousing suspicion.

“The doctors said lizards must have taken the eye away,” said Katare’s uncle N P Awasthi, adding that they suspect the hospital might have illegally extracted her eye for transplant without intimating the family. JAH Hospital has been in the news for quite some time over alleged cases of corruption. In a recent case, hospital doctors allegedly junked donated corneas, following which a high level inquiry revealed that doctors had conducted only one eye transplant in six years, even as 80 organs were donated during the same period.

Chautala cleared XII exam? But results yet to come out Chandigarh: INLD supremo Om Prakash Chautala’s son may have said that his 82-year-old father, who is in jail, has passed Class XII exam, but documents speak otherwise. Recently, the former Haryana chief minister’s younger son and INLD secretary general Abhay Chautala had claimed that his father has passed higher secondary examination in first division, while serving a 10-year sentence in Del-

hi’s Tihar jail. However, the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has clarified that Chautala had appeared for Class X and not Class XII exams and neither of the results have been declared. Documents show that Chautala had appeared for Class X exams in the subjects of social sciences, science and technology, Hindi, Indian culture and heritage and business studies. He took the exams at Delhi’s Tihar jail from April 6 to April 24. On being contacted, Abhay said he had told the media whatever he was informed about. PTI

https://t.me/velarch 15

TIMES NATION

SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI * MAY 21, 2017

Be prepared for ops at short This desi helps refugees, notice: IAF chief to officers one masala chai at a time New Delhi: Even as terror attacks on military camps in Jammu and Kashmir continue to be on the rise, Indian Air Force (IAF) officers reportedly got a personal letter from air chief marshal BS Dhanoa asking them to be prepared for operations “at a very short notice”, reported ANI news agency. ANI didn’t say when this letter was written but some media reports said the air chief marshal wrote to the officers just a little over a month ago. “In the present scenario, there is an ever persistent sub-conventional threat. Therefore, we need to be prepared for operations with our present holdings, at a very short notice. Training needs to be focused towards this,” said the letter, ANI reported. The “sub-conventional threat” is likely a reference to what India has often called a “proxy war by Pakistan”, that is, attacks funded by the neighbouring country or carried out by so-called ‘non-state actors’ many of whom India has said have Islamabad or Pakistan intelligence sanction. The reference to “our present holdings” in the letter is likely a shortfall in the number of fighter squadrons with the IAF. The force

Saleem.Pandit @timesgroup.com

TOUGH TALK: In his letter, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa (centre) also told IAF officers that “there is no choice” but to be combateffective professionals

Kashmir problem started because of Congress, says Amit Shah Chandigarh: BJP national president Amit Shah on Saturday said the ‘Kashmir problem’ emerged because of the Congress, expressing confidence that the Narendra Modi-led NDA government will soon control the present situation in the Valley. “What else Congress can say. Kashmir problem emerged because of Congress,” Shah said while addressing media here on Saturday. He responding to the Congress allegations, reportedly accusing the NDA government of failing to control the situation in Kashmir. When asked about Kashmiri students indulging in stone pelting at the security personnel, Shah said such situations had emerged in the past as well. “Kashmir faced such situations several times since 1989 (since onset of militancy in the state). I am confident that this situation will soon be controlled,” he said. PTI

is authorised 42 squadrons of fighter aircraft but has only 33. Despite this shortfall, the air chief in his letter told officers “there is no choice” but to be combat effective professionals. “...there is no choice but to stay abreast of new technological advancements both (our) own as well as that of our adversaries. Only then will we come out with war-winning, out of the box solutions,” he said

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➤ Treatment of municipal sewage; treatment of industrial effluent; river surface cleaning; rural sanitation; afforestation and conserving bio-diversity ➤ Under Ganga Action Plan-I and GAP-II, 1,098.31 million litres per day (MLD) treatment capacity created in three decades (1985-2015) (Centre incurred an overall expenditure of approx Rs 4,000 cr) ➤ Modi government had approved Rs 20,000cr in May 2015 for five years (2015-2020)

FIVE STATES ON THE MAIN STEM OF RIVER: Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal PROGRESS Out of these, 72 projects are sanctioned for creation of 932.84 MLD new sewage treatment plants (STPs)

Rehabilitation of 1091 MLD of existing STPs

Laying/rehabilitation of 4,031.41 km sewer network for abatement of pollution in river Ganga and Yamuna

(153.13 MLD for Ganga

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Mumbai: The special trial court has rejected an application submitted by Sahara chief Subrata Roy that sought an exemption from proceedings in a Securities and Exchange Board (SEBI) Act case on grounds of gastroenteritis. Roy had sought exemption from appearing in the court on Thursday and the same day court had passed the order, a copy of which was made available on Saturday. Roy did not appear in the court. In its detailed order, the court said the accused had used the liberty of exemption as a litigational strategy to keep himself away from the trial and frustrate the purpose of liberty. “I am of the opinion that the exemption sought by accused number 5 (Roy) is to avoid hearing on framing of charges and protract the trial and keep the case idle,” the order said. The court further observed that if such applications are entertained, there would be no end to the trial. The matter will come up for hearing on June 7. The court also issued a notice to Dr R N Jain from the Noida Medicare Centre,

Noida, who issued the medical certificate. The court said the doctor was to appear personally and submit an affidavit along with medical literature to show how a patient of gastroenteritis should remain bed-ridden for five days and cannot attend the court proceedings when there were specific directions from the Bombay high court. The Sebi prosecutor had strongly opposed the exemption application contending that the certificate issued by Jain was “very cryptic and obtained only to defeat the purpose of court proceedings”. While the court was to commence proceedings on framing of the charges, Roy’s advocate moved a discharge plea on behalf of the company, Sahara India Real Estate. Referring to the timing of the discharge application, the court said that this prima facie indicated the calculated and strategic step by Roy and the compa-

ny to circumvent the legal process. The court further stated that Sebi was not made aware of the filing of the application well in advance. “The accused must know that once the application is filed, SEBI will seek time to file its reply and the case will be automatically adjourned by frustrating the very purpose of the order of the honourable high court,” the court said. It further stated that none of the accused availed the opportunity of a hearing on framing of charges and henceforth no discharge application would be entertained. In April, the high court had said that Roy was to give an undertaking that he would attend the court proceedings on every stipulated date and not seek adjournments. Roy had submitted such an undertaking earlier this month. The high court also said that an application seeking exemption may be considered on its own merits, more particularly, if a case is made out that there are inevitable circumstances due to which he cannot attend court. Further, it held that the trial court was not to grant exemption at the stage of framing of charges and recording of evidence.

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[email protected]

Cleaning of Ganga is being carried out through:

It has created 198.13 MLD 45 MLD for Yamuna) STP capacity

Srinagar: Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani suspended the primary membership of Nayeem Khan, chairman of Jammu Kashmir National Front, a constituent party of the Hurriyat Conference, on Saturday. The suspension comes a week after a news channel sting showed Khan, along with Farooq Dar and Gaza Javed Baba, confessing to receiving funds allegedly from Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba to carry out terror activities in the Kashmir Valley. A spokesperson of the separatist group told reporters that Khan’s membership will remain suspended till the issue is resolved. “His suspension will come into force with immediate effect in Srinagar and the PoK chapter of the Hurriyat. It is my moral duty and as a supreme head of the forum, I am obliged to fulfil my assigned duties,” the spokesman quoted Geelani. In a press conference earlier in the day, Khan had questioned the authenticity of the videos. “The sting operation conducted by a Delhi-based TV channel is fake and doctored. I challenge the TV channel to run my full video instead of in bits and pieces,” Khan said.

Court summons doc as Subrata Roy cites gastroenteritis to skip hearing

CLEANING THE GANGA

145 projects are sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 10,730.71cr (till March 20, 2017)

in his letter. Air chief Dhanoa’s letter also addressed issues of alleged “favouritism” and “sexual harassment” on the force. “In the recent past, there have been instances and occasions where lack of professionalism has shown the IAF in poor light”. These are things the IAF can “ill afford”, he said. His letter further warned that “abusive behaviour are things that are “not acceptable”. AGENCIES

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Hyderabad: Following in the footsteps of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, has issued an elaborate list of items prohibited in exam centres during the joint entrance exam (JEE) (Advanced) on May 21. As many as 15,115 candidates will appear for the exam in the four regions of Telangana -Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Nizamabad and Warangal. The organising committee has imposed stringent security measures to prevent malpractice, just like it was done for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) on May 7. Many NEET candidates were asked to cut the length of their sleeves and made to remove shoes and jewellery. Some were even seen borrowing chappals from their parents. According to the instructions, JEE (Advanced) candidates “should not wear charms, veil, items containing metals such as ring, bracelet, earrings, nose-pin, chains necklace, pendants, badge, brooch, hair pin, hair band, clothes with full sleeves or big buttons.” Students have been asked to wear open footwear like chappal and sandal instead of shoes. The list goes on to say that violation of any rule at any stage of the examination will lead to the cancellation of candidature. The stringent measures have left candidates jittery. “In our coaching institutes, we are constantly reminded about the restrictions imposed at exam centres. Although I will go well-prepared for the exam, I am worried about the frisking that will happen,“ said Radhika Kondety, an aspirant. “The examination last year went off peacefully with hardly any incidences of malpractices. Such stringent measures only make students more nervous as their focus shifts away from the exam,” said Ashok Kumar Veda, IIT programme in-charge at Narayana Educational Pvt Ltd. TNN

Nayeem Khan suspended from Hurriyat

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Strict dress code for IIT exam: No shoes, no veil

‘There Is Threat, Focus On Training’

Only 13 projects completed till March

It laid 1,147.75 km of sewerage network

Govt unveils steps to curb Ganga silting [email protected]

New Delhi: Within 24 hours of Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar reiterating the state’s demand for a national policy on de-siltation of the Ganga, the Union water resources ministry made public the report of a high-level committee that seeks to address the problem and suggests multiple measures to ensure uninterrupted flow of the river. Aviral Dhara or uninterrupted flow of the holy river is in fact a key component of the Centre’s ambitious ‘Namami Gange’ (Ganga rejuvenation) programme whose progress was reviewed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday - the day Nitish Kumar too flagged the issue. The committee has recom-

mended a slew of measures which include study of reach wise sediment transport processes along with establishing annual sediment budgets to guide de-silting activities, preparation of annual reports (sand registry) describing the previous de-silting/dredging activity and study on sediment budget before going ahead with de-siltation in a particular stretch of the river. It, however, recommended a cautious approach to deal with the issue. It said though de-siltation works can improve hydraulic performance of the river and this itself can justify undertaking de-siltation, these have no direct role in improving environment flow in the river. For the full report, log on to www.timesofindia.com

‘Who will compensate Wani for the 16 yrs he lost in jail?’ From P1 fter Wani’s acquittal in the last of the 11 cases, his counsel Irshad Hanif raised some important questions: “Who will compensate Wani for the 16 years he lost in jail? Will the government fasten accountability on the police officers who implicated him in the 11 cases? How will the government pay back the family?” When Hanif argued for his bail last month in the Sabarmati Express blast case in the Supreme Court, a bench head-

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What a shame! He has been acquitted in 10 out of 11 serious cases slapped on him. No credible evidence has been found against him by the trial courts in all these cases J S KHEHAR Chief Justice of India ed by Chief Justice J S Khehar had asked the trial court to finish the trial expeditiously while taking an unprecedented decision to grant him bail at a future date — November 1.

The court said if the trial was not completed, Wani would be released on bail that day. “If the prosecution does not complete the examination of witnesses by October 31,

Wani will be released on bail on November 1, 2017 on the terms and conditions to be imposed by the trial court,” it had ordered. After his acquittal in the case, Wani does not need benefit of this unprecedented order. The CJI could not hide his exasperation at the ineptitude shown by the UP and Delhi police. “What a shame! He has been acquitted in 10 out of 11serious cases slapped on him. No credible evidence has been found against him by the trial courts in all these cases. The

problem with police is that they keep persons in jail and not lead evidence against them in court,” he said on April 25. Looking at Wani’s six aliases, CJI Khehar had asked: “Why does a person require half a dozen aliases? You have six of them.” Advocate Hanif explained, “He was a bright student at Aligarh Muslim University and was pursuing a PhD course in Arabic after completing his post-graduation when he was arrested. All these aliases have been given to him by police.”

Pranav Chopra is not just making Indian-style tea more popular in London, he is also giving jobs to unemployed refugees

He did some research and discovered that many refugees were not integrated in Europe and one of the best ways to help them was to offer employment. Sudanese refugee Anwar Elsamani is busy at the Chaigraram stall in the middle of the trendy street market alongside stalls selling gluten-free salted caramel brownies, Mexican street food, ice cream sandwiches, and Burmese tea. “It is great to get away from my hostel for 10 hours. It’s a harrowing place,” says the 44year old, as hip Londoners wander past. He

Naomi Canton

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TV programme about Iraqis who fled to Europe has inspired an Indian management consultant to start a chai stall business in London that employs refugees from across the world. Pranav Chopra, who was born and raised in Delhi, left his full-time job as a management consultant in London in February to focus fulltime on Chaigaram [meaning ‘hot tea’]. He now has stalls at two London food markets manned by refugees and sells chai to more than 20 independent cafes. So far the business has helped seven refugees from Syria, Eritrea, Iraq, Sudan and Pakistan. They either work on the chai stalls or pack and blend the Fairtrade Assam tea. Serving a cup of £3 (Rs 250) steaming hot chai at Druid Street Market in South London, Chopra says his aim was to help refugees get a job in the UK. Working for Chaigaram and interacting with locals boosted their confidence, improved their communication skills and gave them critical work experience, he said. He now plans to open a series of tea stalls across London and offer them as franchises to refugees. “The idea is to promote entrepre- BONDING OVER BREWS: Elsamani (in red) helps out at the stall neurship among refugees,” he said. which sells blends made from Chopra’s family recipes “A lot of people in the UK now drink chai lattes but I want to make masala shares a hostel with people released from chai a trend,” he said. Chaigaram sells four prison and the homeless. Elsamani was flown to London for medical blends, all Chopra’s great grandmother’s recipes. “It’s great to be using my Indian connec- treatment from Cairo in 2013 after being tortured in Sudan, which has been ravaged by tion to make a social impact,” he said. civil wars for decades. Sudanese Anwar Elsamani “The situation now is worse than before so says he applied for 1,000 jobs I can’t go back,” he said, Despite having a diploma in media and a but was rejected. Now he science degree and having worked as a journalworks at the Chaigaram stall, ist for the Arabic media for 24 years, he has not yet found a job in the UK. He said he had applied which gives him a chance to for more than 1,000 jobs, even cleaning roles, but only had one interview, which he did not get. polish his English skills He said Britain was “hard.” “In Sudan you He also plans to sell tea from the refugees’ have your community, you know how to manown countries in the future such as Chai Istikan, age your life. If you don’t get a job you can do your own business. Here you have to start from a beverage from Iraq, and Mate from Syria. The idea came to him when he saw a TV scratch and it’s a different culture and a differprogramme about the global refugee crisis ent system,” he said. But the Chaigaram job has helped. Besides in Europe. “This refugee family was voluntarily heading back to Iraq from Germany the £50 (Rs 4,000) he earns for working one day and it showed a 12-year-old saying: ‘I don’t a week at Chaigaram, he also gets a chance to want to go back but I have to, I also know I improve his English. He now has ambitious plans to start his own am going to die.’” Those words affected Chopra, 33, who left media agency which will focus on stories about India at the age of 12. “How much do you have Africa and refugees in London. Till then, he’s to hate Germany to go back to Iraq?” he said. busy brewing shai as they call it in Sudan.

Dalit activists plan massive rally at Jantar Mantar today Mohua.Chatterjee @timesgroup.com

New Delhi: Dalit activists are determined to go ahead with a rally on Sunday at Jantar Mantar here in protest against the recent caste clashes in Saharanpur despite the Delhi police denying permission late Saturday evening. The recent violence involving dalits and thakurs in Saharanpur during the birth anniversary celebrations of B R Ambedkar has refused to die down and reignited the dalit protest movement that was triggered by the Una (Gujarat) atrocities against some dalit youths in 2015, but had since lost steam. Dalits have been regrouping over the past one month and activists plan to

Woman says she was abused since Class X From P1 n Friday night, he called her out of her bedroom and as he reportedly tried to force her into oral sex, the girl mutilated his genitals using a knife. On Saturday morning, the woman told police that the sexual abuse began ever since she was a Class X student but was afraid to tell her family as

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The accused acted as a guardian of the victim whenever he visited the family, and he even disciplined her using a cane, police said she thought they would never believe her. “The accused acted as a guardian of the victim whenever he visited the family, and he even disciplined her using a cane,” the police said. The law student’s act bore uncanny resemblance to the climax in ‘22 Female Kottayam’, a 2012 Malayalam movie that made headlines for depicting a young woman who gives a monstrous man his due.

hit Delhi with an impromptu rally planned for Sunday. Bhim Army leader Chandrashekhar, the new face of dalit leadership in UP, is expected to be among those who will address the rally. People from various fora have responded to the call and JNU student leader

SAHARANPUR ROW Kanhaiya Kumar, dalit activists Jignesh Mewani (Gujarat) and Ram Kumar (UP), Muslim community leaders are expected to attend the gathering. Delhi police’s rejection of permission for the rally in the last moment has only emboldened the resolve of the activists, most of whom reached the capital on Saturday. “Now that the gov-

ernment is trying to deprive the dalits of their democratic right to hold a peaceful rally and put forward their demands and grievances, people will reach the venue today (Sunday) at any cost and if stopped from assembling, we will hold a larger rally soon,” said Ashok Bharti, dalit activist and one of the coordinators for the event. The call to hold a rally at a short notice was taken about 10 days back and hence instead of state-wise mobilisation through dalit organisations, it has been a direct call on the social media. “It will be a test for us to see if people react spontaneously and come out to show solidarity against the recent attacks,” said Bharti. For the full report, log on to www.timesofindia.com

INDIA DIGEST

Man sacrifices daughter on tantrik’s advice n another barbaric case of human sacrifice, a 25-yearold man has been arrested for beheading his own one-anda-half-year-old daughter on the advice of a tantrik who promised to cure him of his ailment. The incident occurred in Narauli village under Banether police station in Sabhal district (Uttar Pradesh) on Friday night. According to police officials, the accused, Kalyan Singh, took out his daughter who was sleeping with his mother and used a kitchen knife to behead her in another room. He fled the spot soon after the incident.

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ABVP-SFI activists clash at HP university, 10 injured: Twelve students were arrested on Saturday after clashes broke out between the RSS affiliated ABVP and the left leaning SFI at a hostel in the Himachal Pradesh

University in Shimla, leaving ten injured. Students allegedly used iron rods, sharp-edged weapons to attack each other and there was indiscriminate throwing of stones. The accused students have been booked under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertaining to rioting, possessing arms, unlawful assembly and voluntarily causing hurt, ASP Bhajan Dev Negi said. He said that documents, laptops and other electronic gadgets of some students were damaged.

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SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI MAY 21, 2017

Protect yourself from ransomware

Workplace tech that will follow you home

As malicious software holds computer systems hostage worldwide, here’s what you need to know to keep your data safe

Artificial intelligence in connected devices and surveillance systems could bring an end to the little autonomy that employees have in offices and beyond

Update your software

The ongoing attacks stress on the challenges that organisations face with consistently applying security safeguards on a large scale

In addition to keeping Windows up to-date with the latest security

Megan Fox is a keen gamer. She once said, “It just works well with my brain. And I’m really good” Pic: Getty Images

Security experts believe WannaCry may have initially infected machines via email attachments. The lesson: Avoid clicking links i n side dubiou s em a i l s , Kamden said. How do you spot a fishy email? Look

In the event that a hacker successfully hijacks your computer, you could rescue yourself with a backup of your data stored somewhere, like on a physical hard drive. That way, if a hacker locked down your

For larger businesses, applying secu rity updates organisation-wide can be difficult. If one employee’s machine lacks the latest security software, it can infect other machines across the network. IT professionals should regularly educate and test employees on spotting suspicious emails, said Matt Ahrens, vice-president of Crypsis, a cybersecurity firm.

AI capabilities can be integrated into everything, from online presentations to workplace surveillance

What to do if already infected

Pic: Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images

If you are already a victim of ransomware, the first thing to do is disconnect your computer from the internet so it does not infect other machines. Then report the crime to law enforcement and seek help from a technology professional who specialises in data recovery to see what your options might be. If there are none, don’t lose hope: There may be new security tools to unlock your files in the future.

gizmodo.in

If you work with a giant corporation, you should probably be terrified by the vision of the future of connected gadgets that Microsoft recently revealed at its Build developer conference. Two demos from its keynote stood out, both for revealing a potentially frightening future for anyone working for a big employer with the will to micromonitor its employees. The first featured cameras watching employees on a construction worksite. The cameras are tied into the cloud, where artificial intelligence monitors everything in real time, noting identities of employees as well as identifying almost every piece of equipment on the worksite. That is cool, especially as the AI can instantly notice when someone is on the worksite that shouldn’t be, or identify when someone is using dangerous equipment in a fashion that would be illadvised.

— NEW YORK TIMES

Smart ways to spot a genius lifehacker.co.in

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Unsure of how you score on your intelligence quotient? These four signs suggest that you may be cleverer than you think proven indicators of intelligence:

The first extensively researched theory on intelliYOU HAVE A GREAT gence by Charles Spearman SENSE OF HUMOUR i n 19 0 4 suggests t hat i f Wit is a sign of a sharp people do well on some secmind. In 1990, A Michael tions of an IQ test, they do Johnson published a study in well on all of them. Years Perceptual and Motor Skills later, Howard Gardner, a that connected humour abilpsychologist from Harvard, ity to problem-solving skills. came up with the Theory Subjects rated 32 jokes and of Multiple Intelligences. solved 14 visually-displayed According to this mental rotation problems. theory, there Those with faster mental are eight rotation times rated dif ferent the jokes as funnier. types of inIt showed that people telligence, with good humour i nc lu d i n g comprehension have a na ly tica l better problem solvand emoing ability. Ranveer Singh t ion a l i nt elis known for l i g e n c e , a n d his sense of YOU ARE AN there need not humour INTROVERT be any correlaA research conducted tion among t hem. T hen on 2,000 college children came the Triarchic Theory proved that the kids who of Intelligence by Robert learnt to read earlier, scored Sternberg. He categorised higher in tests later in life. It intelligence into three subwas concluded that reading sets — analytic, creative, from an early age improved and practical. a person’s verbal as well as W hi le t hese t heories non-verbal abilities. And, have analysed intelligence 90 per cent of introverts are to a great extent, there has voracious readers. not been any consensus on what defines brainpower. YOU ARE LEFT-HANDED However, most studies conOne study in the early 90s clude that intelligence is demonst rated t hat lef tquite a varied subject. Here handedness is associated a re some scienti f ic a l ly with divergent thinking.

The ability to combine two unrelated objects in a meaningful way is a sign of intelligence. Left-handers have the creative thinking that is required to solve problems and tasks. They often know how to solve problems.

YOU ARE ANXIOUS

A n x i e t y m i g ht n o t b e a good t hi ng. However, st ress, when ha r nessed pr op erly, c a n h ave numerou s b enef it s. I n a n e x p e r i m e nt c o n du c t e d at the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya in Israel, participants were asked to analyse artwork presented by a software programme which then triggered a fake computer virus. The researchers made it look like the virus was a result of something that the participant did. They then sent the participants on an urgent mission to get tech support and also introduced many other obstacles. It was fou nd t hat the most anxious participants were the most effective at executing tasks.

Lady Gaga said, “I always feel shy in the Hollywood scene. I feel a bit like I did in high school, like I don’t really fit in”

Sachin Tendulkar is a left-hander but uses his right hand to bat

In an interview, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said that he deals with his work load by having a schedule and sticking to it

Pics: getty images, bloomberg

— AGENCIES

Create backups of your valuable data

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devices to relieve stress. And around 18 per cent women find video gaming as a good option for stress release. The study found that 74 per cent men thought the best stress-reliever was talking to their friends. For 31 per cent of men, comfort eating was the best way. And only 27 per cent men said that having sex or watching porn was a great way to deal with stress. The study concluded, “Gamers were found to have a lower need for recovery, lower negative work/home interference and had a more effective recovery experience, particularly in relation to the subscales of relaxation and psychological detachment, than non-gamers.”

Be wary of suspicious emails and pop-ups

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Study suggests that people pick video games over sex as a way to relieve stress

carefully at the email address of the sender to see if it is coming from a legitimate address. Also, ransomware developers often use popup windows that advertise software products that remove malware. Do not click on anything through these pop-ups.

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Are you game for love or for video?

en h a nc ement s, a ntivirus software can prevent malware from infecting your computer. Kamden of NordVPN said 30 per cent of popular antivirus systems were capable of detecting and neutralising the ransomware.

Pic: Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images

Create a security plan for your business

Install antivirus software

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According to a study conducted by researchers at University College London, video gaming is one of the most popular and effective ways for men to relieve stress and many prefer it over sex. “Recovery is a necessary factor in avoiding workrelated strain and in feeling prepared for the next day of work. In order for recovery to be successful, an individual must experience psychological detachment from work, relaxation and a sense of control, all of which have been argued to be assisted by digital game use,” stated the research paper. Of the 251 men surveyed, 29 per cent said they play video games on the gaming consoles such as Xbox or PlayStation or online games on computers or mobile

computer, you could simply erase all the data from the machine and restore it from the backup.

Security experts indicate the malware that spurred this global attack, called WannaCry, have infected machines by getting people to download it through email. If people had simply stayed on top of security updates, their machines would not have been infected, says Ch ri s Wysopa l, C T O of Veracode, an application security company. Consumers can remedy this by configuring their PCs to install the latest software updates.

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a n s o mw a r e h a s been making headlines a fter cybercriminals hijacked hundreds of thousands of computers in India and around the world. Ransomware, which is often transmitted by email or web pop-ups, involves locking up people’s data and threatening to destroy it if a ransom is not paid. The global cyberattack has affected 2,00,000 Windows computers in more than 150 countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, India and Britain. “Not only individuals, b u t e v e n g o v e r n m e nt s and big companies with s o much t o lo s e f a i l t o secure their systems and t r a i n t h ei r e m p l o y e e s about necessary security pr ac t ic e s ,” s ays M a r t y P K amden, a marketing executive for the private network service provider NordVPN. “Cautious online behaviour would probably have prevented the malware from infecting the network in the first place.” W hat c a n busi nesses a nd i ndividu a l s do to protect themselves from ransomware? Here are some tips from security experts:

construction worksites and into the traditional offices.

JEOPARDISING WORKLIFE BALANCE

This is further illustrated by the other demo at Build that focused on Cortana, and how it could now be just everywhere. The demo shows a woman chatting with a Cortana-powered speaker in a set intended to represent her home. Then it reminded her she had a meeting, so she hopped in the car, where it promptly told her traffic was going to make her late and notified her workplace, then slotted her into a meeting already in progress. This sounds INTRUSIVE impressive, but there SURVEILLANCE was one thing SYSTEM Microsoft left unsaid. It is also terrifying. This woman was Imagine a place logged into her home where security or and car with her safety is not a workplace ID, which primary concern, means potentially her but instead, where employers could now Cortana, the employers have access to data personal obsessively from her home and car assistant created monitor life. by Microsoft, can employees in track and learn some misguided TRADE-OFFS IN a user’s specific A CONNECTED attempt to patterns and WORLD maximise profit. behaviours With a These demos illustrate the surveillance system trade-offs inherent in a world like this, you couldn’t in which we use more and more invite your friend to stop connected gadgets. You have to by for lunch because give up some of your privacy in your boss would know, order to reap the benefits of a a notification instantly network of devices tuned to appearing on his/her you and your whims. Asking phone. There’d be no long consumers to give their data lunches or grabbing extra to a big faceless corporation office supplies from the like Google so it can sell ads closet. The little bit of is one thing — but asking autonomy people still have in them to also give all that their offices would be data to the people who eradicated if this system sign their cheques is were moved away from another.

7 talks to expand your mind in less than 10 minutes Experts from around the world give tips on monotasking, emotional correctness, grit as a predictor of success, the power of smiling and more explaining the reasons for and benefits of smiling. For instance, a study found smiling made people seem more likable and competent. Duration 7.26 mins

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Big ideas can come in small packages. Some of the most insightful TED Talks don’t take up more than 10 minutes of the viewer’s time, and they are great if you want to expand your horizons and still get to that thing you’ve been meaning to do. Here are some talks to turn to if you want to get smarter in the shortest window of time:

‘How to speak so that people want to listen’ by Julian Treasure Business consultant Julian Treasure remarks on the downsides of gossip,

argues that in two decades’ time, human thought will be a mixture of biological and non-biological processes. Accordi ng to hi m, t he brai n wi l l operate the same as it does today, but i f you need some extra power you will be able to connect to the cloud for external neural connections — all thanks to nanobots that live in your brain. Duration 9.52 mins

one warns the public of viral pandemic on a massive scale. Pathogens that travel through the air can (and have) killed millions. Everyone should see the value in getting themselves and their families protected, Gates says. Duration 8.32 mins

negativity, and excuse, and highlights the values of speaking honestly and nonjudgmentally. He also outlines six tools to consider when speaking, including pitch, volume, and timbre. The talk reminds people that anyone can marshal the power of words. Duration 9.58 mins

‘Get ready for hybrid thinking’ by Ray Kurzweil Kurzweil, a futurist and inventor,

These talks will stir your curiosity and touch upon areas that are relevant to many

‘The hidden power of smiling’ by Ron Gutman ‘The next outbreak? We’re not ready’ by Bill Gates The billionaire philanthropist has given several talks at TED, but his bleakest

A grin is way more than a grin, entrepreneur Ron Gutman says. In reality, smiling rates can indicate potential longevity and trigger positive emotions. Gutman presents a number of studies

active, compassionate listening to start “the kinds of conversations that really lead to change”. Duration 5.59 mins

‘Grit: The power of passion and perseverance’ by Angela Lee Duckworth The UPenn psychologist says IQ and raw talent aren’t the secrets of success. Rather, it’s the ability to keep going after failure. Duckworth calls this trait ‘grit’. Interviewing everyone from West Point cadets to spelling-bee champions, Duckworth’s research on grit has transformed the way psychologists and businesses think about success. Duration 6.12 mins

‘Let’s try emotional correctness’ by Sally Kohn Kohn, a progressive political pundit, says political correctness isn’t the mechanism by which people should relate to one another. Persuasion doesn’t begin with politics, she says, but with emotions. Kohn’s talk advocates for

‘Forget multitasking, try monotasking’ by Paolo Cardini Cardini, a designer and teacher, urges people to reconsider the value of multitasking. He says it’s overrated from an actual productivity standpoint. Instead, Cardini encourages people to try out monotasking — doing one thing at a time until finishing, and then starting the next task. It could make life a little easier. Duration 2.52 mins

https://t.me/velarch 17

SUNDAY SPECIAL

SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI MAY 21, 2017

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Dumbing gown at Cannes From ‘princess’ to ‘picture perfect’, the Indian fashion press drenches Deepika and Ash in clichéd superlatives. The reality isn’t as ‘osm’

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lamour will always be in fashion but fashion usually needs more than glamour to talk its walk. Walk and talk now are blurring sports for the faces of fashion, once the domain of tall, lean, languid walkers called models. Speaking up was never listed in their job descriptions. This though is the age of “woke models” and activist actors who speak their minds about political misdemeanor and race issues, about body positivism and women’s rights. Or as The Guardian’s Hannah Mariott wrote earlier this week, “The hot thing in modelling is not a look but a viewpoint.” No viewpoint has walked the red carpet so far at the 2017 edition of the Cannes Film Festival. It has all been about looks. In 2006, if it was Kazakhstan’s television star Sacha Baron Cohen in a fluorescent green mankini and moustache; in 2013 it was Vidya Balan with her head covered with a veil as a jury member inviting conspicuous attention. In 2015 vanity and viewpoint locked horns. There was dissent against high heels, considered mandatory for entry even as festival director Thierry Lemaux banned red carpet selfies. Last year, the young cast of American Honey danced in abandon on the red carpet. This year though, the event still hasn’t found a meme, a defining leitmotif to hang its stories on, even as tired adjectives and repetitive Instagram posts continue to decode the event. Overused expressions don’t just numb

us to the real experience but also give away how fashion vocabulary and symbolism differ across cultures. Indian fashion bloggers, magazine reporters and representatives of brands like L’Oreal Paris who sponsor brand ambassadors like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone are all drenched in superlatives. Media has been competing with brands while using the same expressions. “Princess” (Indian fashion has long had a maharani fixation) is a favourite descriptor followed by “drop-dead gorgeous”, “picture perfect”, “stunning”, “ethereal”, “effortlessly enchanting” and “spectacular”. “Magical” and “goddess” were just a natural progression in this hierarchy of adjectives when Rai Bachchan walked out in an uninspiring, funny but not boldly whimsical, emerald, two-tiered frock with large multi-coloured flowers by Yanina Couture. “Slay”, the millennial tag for killer looks and “Osm”, a thin abbreviation for awesome, were supposed to take the pressure off hot and cool which were losing tactical impact anyway. They were first used for Padukone and then Rai Bachchan. Stand by to hear them for Sonam Kapoor next week or whoever wears the spon-

Even the less-gushy UK media got its knickers in a twist over model Bella Hadid’s flash of underwear

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Shefalee Vasudev

sored wares and walks the walk. How the fashion press describes celebrities tells us a bit about these stars of course, but it tells us more about how as a society we react to glamour. Praise is our immediate reaction; we are in extreme, slavish awe of glamour. Especially if we are in the media. There is plenty of nuanced observation about what stars wear but it lies in the comments posted If you really want to online by ordinary readers, know what people who respond intuitively and thought about honestly regardless of what a Padukone’s bra-less beauty brand might think. So if you really want to appearance in a know what people thought Galvan number, about Padukone’s bra-less then read the appearance in a mauve Gal- comments, skip van London dress (not sexy the story fitting sentence for at all), then read the comHadid’s hyper glamour moment. “Bella ments, skip the story. The Western media isn’t as gushy Hadid pays homage to herself at Cannes,” about red carpet couture which it has it read. That’s one hell of a headline. It is in seen for ages. Consider for a moment fact the story itself. Eventually what we make of fashion on though, how American model Bella Hadid, the reigning deity of red car- the famous comes from how it is interpretpet glamour has been described in ed. In this era of “woke models”, if publications must still describe a flash of underthe last two days in the context of her nude underwear showing on wear as a “wardrobe malfunction”, a term the Cannes red carpet. While the that’s long fallen off the trend chart, then Us Weekly and Hollywood Re- our knickers are indeed caught in a twist. porter described it as “suffered If we use a slew of fairytale superlatives to wardrobe malfunction” and describe all our stars who wear gowns crethe UK Mirror called it a “seri- ated by international designers, sponsored ous wardrobe malfunction”, jewels and makeup, then Nandita Das in the Sun, a British tabloid de- her Anavila linen sari and barely there lipscribed it as a “flash of knick- stick will never be our princess. Vasudev is the author of Powder Room: ers”. It was Vanity Fair The Untold Story of Indian Fashion though that found a well-

How to make desi superbabies, Cut-appa style Coffee in hand, I am spending Sunday morning reading a story from Lightspeed magazine, immersed in a dystopian future with genetically engineered people. Not that it’s so far into the future, with researchers already experimenting with gene-editing in embryos. And, of course, we already have Alana Saarinen, born in the US with three biological parents — Sharon and Paul Saarinen, who provided the egg and sperm, and a third woman, Alana, who contributed mitochondria. Soon, I reckon people will be able to order children the way we do Subway sandwiches, though come to think of it, ‘6 inch’ or ‘foot-long’ sounds highly inappropriate, so let me correct myself by saying, like a Starbucks coffee. A time will come when folks can just send a hologram to the AI bot at their local gestation centre and say, ‘Namaste, date of delivery 14 Jan 2087 venti nonfat caramel! Err…Wait one second,’ as their partner who is watching an immersive cricket match interrupts, ‘Arrey no I think vanilla is better only!’ ‘But suniye we decided last night that caramel was more us na?’ Before changing their order, ‘Sorry please change to venti nonfat vanilla. Make sure the delivery is not delayed. Name Mansukh Mehta but you can just write down Montu!’ After all, even decades

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Mrs. Funnybones TWINKLE KHANNA

Garbh Sanskar work in reality? Would the wife in her diaphanous chiffon sari say, “Suno ji, ever since you have come back from that garbh workshop you seem different! Also it’s been six weeks and there has been no, you know, action only!” And her husband would gravely reply, “Mona darling, I want our child to be tall, fair, intelligent and strong so I have decided that we will first purify our bodies for 90 days, and then on the auspicious day when Mars, Mercury and Venus are in alignment, we shall frolic and produce a mighty child!” To which Mona would ask, “But darling when is this date when I may attempt to conceive our very own Baahubali or Devasena?” “Mona darling, 467 days from today, patience is a virtue!” And I guess halfway to that auspicious date, Mona would probably run Chad Crowe

Anindya Chattopadhyay

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JUMPING IN JOY: The teens celebrate after getting the notification

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handful of male beauty bloggers and vloggers, ar med with brushes, foundation, liners and bronzers, are challenging the gender norms of the cosmetics industry. From pinpointing the ideal matte nude lip shade to defining their brows au naturel, these ‘beauty boys’ are tapping a growing demand for genderless makeup in India. Jason Arland, a Nagpur-based makeup artist, is 22 and his Instagram profile reads: “Yes I am a boy and I wear Makeup & I f**kin’ love it & I carry it so well (sic).” Arland, with his signature black lips and “emo style” started doing makeup at the age of 12 and runs campaigns on social media and across metro cities advocating gender fluidity in makeup and fashion, using hashtags like ‘brown boys problem’. His videos feature makeup

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It’s just 120km from the razzle dazzle of Delhi, but life for the girls of Gothra Tappa Dahina village in Haryana continues to be dictated by izzat (honour). With no plus-two section in the government school in the village, they had to trek 3km to the neighbouring village of Kawali that had a senior secondary school. “Everyday somebody would be teased or molested by the boys of the neighbouring village on the way to school. They would sing songs, pull our dupattas, or rev up their bikes to provoke us,” says Class 10 student Nikita Chauhan. When Nikita and her friends complained to their mothers about the harassment, they were told to pipe down. “Har roz izzat uchlegee (You will be dishonoured every day). It is better to stop school and stay home than face disrespect,” Sunita, the mother of one of the girls, advised. But Nikita and 86 other teenagers living in the heart of patriarchal Haryana decided that silence wasn’t an option. The Class 9 and 10 students sat on a dharna to demand that their school be upgraded to Class 12 so that they wouldn’t have to travel. About 13 of them held an indefinite hunger strike that lasted eight days (and nights), bringing their parents, the village sarpanch, and even the state government to their knees. In fact, they’ve even inspired copycat protests in villages of Palwal and Gurugram. Haryana is among the states with the lowest child sex ratios in the country, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to

opportunity. I thought if I didn’t raise my voice, how would my children have a better life?” she says from behind her ghoonghat. Sarpanch Suresh Chauhan was a reluctant supporter, joining the girls on the third day. By the third day, a shamiana to shade the girls from the unrelenting sun and a carpet had appeared as did support from more parents. As press reports trickled in about the indefinite strike, the administration dusted off old files (the petition for the school upgrade is 17 years old) and pointed out that there had to be a minimum of 150 students for the school to be upgraded. But as girl after girl fainted, an ambulance had to be stationed to take them to the Dahina health centre for glucose and injections. Despite the administration bearing down, the girls did not back down. “I was under a lot of pressure but the girls did not listen to me,” Suresh says. The girls’ tenacity and the media attention made it impossible for the government to ignore them. On the seventh day, Haryana education minister Ram Bilas Sharma announced the upgrade. The savvy girls responded by locking the school doors and demanding a written assurance. “Don’t promise, show us the notification” was the refrain. On May 17, the district collector drove to the village to personally hand over the notification. It was only then that tetrapaks of juice and glasses of water were passed around and sunken eyes lit up. The notification states that a principal has been appointed, and admissions for Classes 11 and 12 can begin immediately. Ekta Sharma, a Class 10 student, has not stopped giggling. “I am so happy,” she says. Has the victory sunk in yet? The question is drowned by a roar of victory from her friends who pull her in for another photograph. Their future may hold different things in store but on that hot May afternoon, they were all winners.

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A bunch of schoolgirls borrowed a page from the Mahatma’s book and fasted their way to a school upgrade. Sunday Times visits Rewari to find out how they won over irate parents and woke up an apathetic administration

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These fast & furious Haryana girls made a govt buckle

launch the ‘Beti bachao, beti padhao’ programme from neighbouring Panipat. In Kawali, the walls have phone numbers under girls’ names and college boys lounge around on motorcycles with a practised air of cool. A liquor vend down the road is also a hangout for troublemakers. A Kawali boy was murdered after he misbehaved with a Gothra girl some years ago. But local police deny any complaints of molestation from Gothra village. Dropping out of school never crossed the girls’ minds. And despite the peeling paint, broken wooden benches, dusty classrooms and lack of teachers (8 instead of 21), they held on to their fragile dreams. For one, it was becoming a doctor, a teacher

Are we asking for jewellery or money? We just want to study. They raise slogans of ‘beti bachao, beti padhao’ but can’t provide us with education —SUJATA CHOUDHURY A PROTESTING STUDENT

for another, while for others it was a way out of poverty. “No one listened to our demand. We asked our parents, spoke to the principal and the sarpanch but they didn’t bother,” says Nikita. The girls then met at school and decided that some of them would sit on a hunger strike starting May 10, while others would support them. Parents were quick to voice their disapproval. “My father-inlaw said, ‘It is foolish. Your daughter will die and nothing will come of it’,” says Sapna, whose daughter Chahat fainted twice. When Chahat refused to come home at night, Sapna decided to join her. “I never got a chance to study because my parents could not afford it. But I want Chahat to have every

The men who wear makeup, and sell it too Male beauty bloggers in India are battling stereotypes with lipstick and rouge tutorials for college boys and all-natural makeup for men. “I do not preach that everyone should wear makeup but those who do should not be judged,” says Arland. This shift comes at a time when gender fluidity is picking up steam, particularly among millennials. And far from judging its new customers, the cosmetics industry is racing to catch up with the new trend. MAC Cosmetics launched a genderless

makeup line earlier this year, and now Clinique and Tom Ford have joined its ranks with concealers and bronzers that can be used by both men and women. And even NYX Professional Makeup India Face Awards 2017, are giving boys a platform to showcase their work. They aren’t as popular as their Western counterparts like Patrick Star and James Charles, who have over two million YouTube subscribers, but they do have loyal supporters — both male and female — who want to experiment with their looks. Bengaluru-based engineer and self-confessed makeup fanatic, Isha, 24, gives credit to YouTube makeup videos for learning everything from the basics of cat eye to

her choice of concealer. “I really enjoy watching (American vlogger) Jefree Star’s videos. He is entertaining and genuine at the same time. If a product is trash, it’s trash. He features both drug-store and high-end makeup.” With his shock of ombre hair and rugged Coachella vibe, you wouldn’t think Dhanush Singh Sirohi comes from a small town in UP. The 22-year-old blogger hails from Hasanpur and is currently studying fash-

later, Indians will probably still have idiosyncratic pet names and think fair is indeed lovely.

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The man of the house takes us to see the highest-grossing film in Indian history and I am intrigued by both Baahubali and Bhallaladeva’s towering height and superior strength. But having read a bit about the Garbh Sanskar programme recently, I come up with a hypothesis that these two were probably the first prototypes of our Ayurvedic-engineered babies. It seems that ancient India, not content with just inventing the zero, apparently also invented a way to manufacture our very own heroes. This ideology also happens to be in line with the views of Dr Hitesh Jani, national convenor of a body called Arogya Bharati. In an interview, Dr Jani claims that Garbh Sanskar enabled “genetic engineering in vivo or inside the womb”. “If the proper procedure is followed, babies of dark-skinned parents with lesser height can have fair complexion and grow taller!” he adds. Their aim is to make India strong by having thousands of such super babies by 2020 who are conceived by ‘purified’ parents who follow the correct diet and copulate at a time dictated by planetary configurations. As a believer of Ayurveda and having undergone the exacting Panchakarma process, I would tend to believe that purification of energy channels as well as the body before conception would lead to a healthier human being and, hence, a healthier child, but the planets-in-alignment bit boggles my mind.

5.30 pm

Walking around the garden, I ask my sister-in-law, ‘So how would this

ion at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Mumbai. Sirohi says he never steps out without a dab of concealer and tinted moisturiser. “I love nude lipsticks from MAC and my day cannot start without a Kat Von D foundation,” he says. “A lot of men are genuinely interested in makeup,” he adds, but don’t know which products to use or how to apply them. Attitudes to male fashion bloggers range from genuine curiosity to trolling. Yohan, a Delhi-based vlogger with 8,000 views on his YouTube channel, has received both bouquets GREASEPAINT CLUB: Dhanush Sirohi (above) never steps out without a dab of concealer and tinted moisturiser. Jason Arland’s (left) makeup vlogs are popular with college boys

out of both patience and virtue and decide to run away with the burgerchomping, potbellied neighbour instead. My sister-in-law laughs, ‘Well, everyone is not lucky enough to have Hrithik Roshan next door, you have to make do with what you get!’

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A little research brings to light that Ayurveda apparently also has a method of ensuring you conceive nothing less than a son. ‘Create two miniature statues of a man out of gold, silver, or iron and after throwing the statues in a furnace, pour that molten element in milk, curd or water, and on an auspicious hour of Pushp Nakshatra, consume it,’ states the third-year Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine, and Surgery textbook.After which, I would guess the odds of you collapsing due to heavy metal poisoning may just be decidedly higher than that of bearing a son. But if you do want to try and conceive sons, I would recommend all you gentlemen try Michel Procope-Couteau’s method. In the 18th century, the French anatomist advised men to cut off their left testicle in order to conceive sons. He also promised that the surgery was no more painful than extracting a tooth. I give you my word, try this method at your own peril and you will have a 50% chance of having a boy, whereas with both your testicles intact you just had a 50% chance of producing that awful creature called a girl. So off you go chopping, while I start changing all my profile pictures to a photograph of my new superhero from Baahubali, the one and only Kattappa! You see, after watching the movie, I find myself completely obsessed with him and not just because his name could also be a tag line for Couteau’s method, ‘Cut-Appa’.

and brickbats in the comments section. One social media user goes: “It was really nice and inspiring since I have the same skin colour as you and what you did really suited my everyday school look.” But there are those who post sneering comments like, “Are you sure you are a guy? This is not what men do!” Bengaluru-based makeup artist and rising Instagram star Zeeshan Ali shrugs off the criticism. “If women can shave their faces then why can’t men wear makeup? Why this huge fuss about gender?” asks Ali, a former medical student, who left medicine to purse his passion for makeup. “I enjoy the process of getting ready, putting costume and makeup on,” says Ali who has more than 1,500 followers on Instagram and is popular for his drag queenstyle makeup. Sometimes even their peers are less than supportive. Celebrity makeup artist Mickey Contractor has mixed feelings about men using makeup. “At the most they can use a concealer for under-eye circles but going full throttle is not my cup of tea. Grooming is important but men should be men,” says Contractor.

FAMOUSLY MADE-UP MEN DAVID BOWIE Apart from his music, the rock star’s iconic Ziggy Stardust look with lightning bolt makeup is what made him immortal

RUSSELL BRAND The British comic made guy-liner iconic

JOHNNY DEPP Mr Jack Sparrow wears subtle liner and nail paint on the red carpet

ELVIS PRESLEY The superstar paved the way for foundation and concealer

GORDON BROWN The former British PM’s makeup routine was revealed after an aide left the documents in a taxi

https://t.me/velarch TIMES CURATOR

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SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI MAY 21, 2017

TOI BRINGS YOU A WEEKLY PICK OF STIMULATING IDEAS AND OPINIONS THAT HAVE APPEARED IN OTHER MEDIA, ONLINE AND OFFLINE

9,615 upvotes 407k views

G R E AT R E A D S Stories you shouldn’t miss this week

HOW SKYSCRAPERS BECOME A RISK TO LIFE AND PROPERTY

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uring a storm in 1988, sheets of glass rained down from Chicago’s Sears Tower; some of them landed a block away. The shape of Bridgewater Place tower in Leeds, England speeds up groundlevel wind to up to 130kmph; trucks have been flipped. Before it was coated with antireflective film, London’s curved Walkie-Talkie tower focused light rays so much that you could fry an egg on a facing wall. Even car dashboards melted. For more: 99percentinvisible.org

WHY THE WORLD’S STRESS ON PROTEIN WAS WRONG

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eard of ‘kwashiorkor’? It’s a form of malnutrition that leaves children with shrivelled limbs and pot bellies. Our schoolbooks still say it occurs because of protein deficiency, and billions of dollars have been spent since WW-II to make diets rich in protein. That includes altering staples like wheat. But research shows this theory was wrong. Even starchy foods like yam have sufficient protein, and it is lack of food, not lack of protein, that causes kwashiorkor. For more: The Conversation

ARE WE WITNESSING THE END OF NUCLEAR POWER?

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estinghouse, the original developer of the pressurised-water reactor, went bust in March. Existing nuclear power plants across the United States are being shut early; those in Germany have been shuttered while Japan’s plants remain frozen after Fukushima. France hasn’t lost faith in nuclear power plants but its state agency, EDF, is saddled with debt. Across the English Channel, the British have lost the expertise to build new plants on their own. As renewables rise, are we witnessing the demise of For more: e360.yale.edu nuclear energy?

Reports Of Artificial Intelligence’s Capabilities Are Greatly Exaggerated

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MANIPULATED, NOT TERMINATED: Artificial intelligence won’t spawn killer robots like T-X from Terminator 3, but it can play havoc by taking away jobs and waging undeclared war

“Right now, the way we’re teaching machines to be intelligent is that we have to tell the computer what is an image, even at the pixel level. For autonomous driving, humans label huge numbers of images of cars to show which parts are pedestrians or roads. It’s not at all how humans learn.” Even the way Alexa or Siri talk to you does not represent an understanding of natural language. “That would be when we could read a paragraph and then ask any question about it, and the machine would basically answer in a reasonable way, as a human would. We are still far from that.” Bengio says he used to think ‘artificial stupidity’ described the technology better. “We fight to make the machine slightly more intelligent, but they are still so stupid.” But common people who see

“As expected, participants’ ratings indicated change in all five of the major personality factors. After drinking, participants reported lower levels of conscientiousness, openness to experience, and agreeableness, and higher levels of extroversion and emotional stability (the inverse of neuroticism),” says an article in psychologicalscience.org. However, observers noted fewer changes in the drinkers. The main change was in their degree of extroversion. “Specifically, participants who had consumed alcohol were rated higher on three facets of extro-

Never lend to someone who swears to pay back

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The global ‘full’ cost of wasted food comes to $2.6 trillion per year. The wasted food itself is worth $1 trillion, but its environmental and social costs add up to another $1.6 trillion. India’s GDP was $2.1 trillion in 2015

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what machines can do are impressed and let their imagination run wild, which makes The Terminator seem a certainty. Does that mean we are at no risk whatsoever from AI? Bengio is confident that computers are not going to take over the world anytime soon, and humans won’t be terminated or locked up in a Matrix, but there are other ways all this technology could hurt. “Things like bad military uses, manipulating people through really smart advertising; also, the social impact, like many people losing their jobs.” And the way out of these crises will not be found by letting things take their own course. “Society needs to get together and come up with a collective response, and not leave it to the law of the jungle to sort things out.” For more: Technologyreview.com

Drinking doesn’t change you much re you a completely different person while drinking? Not to the extent that you think, claims new research published in Clinical Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science. There is a yawning gap between what drinkers think of their own behaviour and how others see them, say researchers. Participants in the study were asked to drink either Sprite or a vodka-Sprite cocktail. The ‘drinking’ group was allowed to reach a blood alcohol level of 0.9 and then tested through questions and puzzles.

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PASSENGER CAR PRODUCTION IN SELECTED ASIAN COUNTRIES IN 2016

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welve years from now, a cyborg assassin will travel back in time to 1984... That was the premise of The Terminator movie. Now, as artificial intelligence (AI) gets smarter, cars learn to drive themselves and computers beat humans at every mind game, even excelling us at identifying objects, The Terminator’s sci-fi plot begins to look possible, barring the minor hurdle of time travel. Physicist Stephen Hawking and Tesla chief Elon Musk have already warned that AI threatens humanity. Does it? No, says Yoshua Bengio, computer science professor at University of Montreal, and one of the leaders in the field of ‘deep learning’ that enables computers to recognise speech, classify images and talk to us. In an interview to MIT Technology Review, Bengio says people are “grossly overestimating” the progress AI has made. The flood of developments hitting us today has “many, many years of small progress” behind it. He says much of the talk about AI is hot air. Journalists want a nice story to tell, companies want to claim, “We have this revolutionary technology that’s going to change the world,” hence the fantastic stories. As for the idea that AI could become too powerful for humans to control, Bengio says machine learning is nowhere close to the idea of real intelligence.

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India a huge car maker now, but still 4th in Asia, and a long way behind China

version: gregariousness, assertiveness, and levels of activity.” The findings are important for managing the impact of alcohol on people’s lives, the researchers said. “Most importantly, we need to see how this work is most relevant in the clinical realm and can be effectively included in interventions to help reduce any negative impact of alcohol on people’s lives,” said Rachel Winograd of the University of Missouri, St. Louis—Missouri Institute of Mental Health, who led the research.

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At first it’s just weird. Your inner ear isn’t working at all and it’s sending garbage signals to your brain. Your heart, which is used to pumping against gravity, is now pumping too much and your head gets all puffed up. When you close your eyes to go to sleep, you see lightning flashes inside your eyeballs. And you have a hard time just moving around. The first day is filled with apologies as you inevitably kick or elbow your crewmates as you thrash around like a fish out of water. Eventually you get the hang of it, and for those of us who were lucky enough to do long-duration missions, about a month into flight you finally really get used to it.

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Answer by GARRETT REISMAN, SpaceX employee, former NASA astronaut

For more: Psychologicalscience.org

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Do astronauts find space disorienting at first?

THE MACHINES AREN’T COMING TO GET YOU

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A compelling question from Q&A site quora.com

“Phrases such as ‘lower interest rate’ efore you lend money to someone, or ‘after-tax’ indicate a certain level of lend an ear to their talk. If you financial sophistication on the borhear the words “God, promise, will rower’s part so it’s perhaps not surprispay, thank you, hospital,” lending to ing they correlate with someone more them is as good as kissing your money Getty Images likely to pay their loan goodbye, says an article back.” in New York Magazine. However, someone On the other hand, peowho writes “I promise I ple who seek your help will pay back, so help me using the words “debtGod” is among the least free, lower interest rate, likely to pay you back. after-tax, minimum payThat says something ment and graduate,” about “promises”. might be more conscienAnother red flag, the tious borrowers. researchers say, is people These are the findings “mentioning any family of research by three econmember—a husband, omists —Oded Netzer wife, son, daughter, and Alain Lemaire, of mother or father” in Columbia, and Michal their appeal. What if Herzenstein of the Uni- NOT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD: versity of Delaware. They Lend to someone who talks someone genuinely needs money for a parused data from Prosper, a interest rates ent’s surgery? That’s the peer-to-peer lending site downside of big data. Machine analysis where potential borrowers write a brief of their appeal will end in a rejection description of why they need a loan and because others who invoked family bewhy they are likely to make good on it. fore them proved unreliable borrowers. Why were the ‘secular’ and ‘educated’ commitments more reliable? For more: New York Magazine

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QUORA QUESTION

How your credit card and a bad job can make you fat

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o you binge eat to counter stress? Maybe the state of your finances is worrying you. Research by Gallup and Sharecare in America found that messy finances are among the top-three reasons for bad eating habits. “Long-term stress can cause a spike in stress hormones that lead people to overeat and choose foods higher in fat or sugar,” says a report. The solution is to have “a budget and long-term financial plan in place to pay off debt, save for retirement and meet other goals.” The findings based on interviews with 177,000 US adults throughout 2016 showed that having health-conscious and supportive friends and family was the best way to regulate eating habits. “It seems reasonable that having someone there to offer support and encouragement could make a big difference when trying to stick to a healthy eating plan.” Being in a toxic or unpleasant job can also put you at risk of developing unhealthy eating habits. Whether you are a student or a worker, strive to find meaning in what you do as “having a strong sense of purpose could give someone a compelling reason to want to eat healthily and live their best possible life.”

akh 39 l lakh 37 na Chi n a Jap rea lakh 0 o 1 K a i S lakh Ind 8 a i s lakh one land 5 d n I i Tha aysia l

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Indian car buyers are spoilt for choice today, just 20 years after the first foreign manufacturers, other than Suzuki, started setting up shop here. Last year, Indian factories sent out about 37 lakh cars, which sounds very impressive until you consider that China, which is now only marginally ahead in terms of human population, produced roughly 13 cars for every two cars made in India.

Altogether, China produced more than 2.4 crore cars, maintaining its position as the world’s biggest car making and buying country.

Source: Statista

LESSER-KNOWN TREASURES FROM THE WEB A pick of offbeat, non-mainstream blogs and sites

hardbound.co

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eak is the kind of book that feeds self-improvement, motivation and inspiration talks. You can read it yourself if you have time to go over its 336 pages. Maybe you also have Sam Walker’s The Captain Class bookmarked in your mind, and Bill Bryson’s old bestseller A Short History of Nearly Everything. Every avid reader at some point realises they cannot read all the books they have in mind. In literature and fiction they have no choice but to shrug and give up, but non-fiction can be abridged easily, and abridged editions can help you make up your mind whether you would like to read the whole book or not. PICTORY

This is where Hardbound enters as a blessing. It’s a year-old experiment to “create fun, illustrated summaries of bestselling non-fiction books”. They release one nicely illustrated slideshow or ebook every week. You can get it free in your inbox by subscribing with your email, or you can follow the links on their Twitter feed. The books work well in a desktop browser but better in the Hardbound iOS app. Since they are just a team of two the guys at Hardbound are careful to pick only the very popular books, which means polling their 2 lakh readers on what to adapt next. You could pitch your favourite.

A picture that tells a story

HOW LONG IS THE LONGEST SAXOPHONE NOTE? On May 7, musician Femi Kuti held a single note on a saxophone for

He rejoiced thinking he had broken Kenny G’s 1997 record of

He didn’t know American saxophonist Vann Burchfield had surpassed that record in 2000 with a time of

46 minutes 38 seconds

45 minutes 47 seconds

47 minutes 5.5 seconds

at a concert in Lagos, Nigeria

For more: Gallup

All of these extraordinary times were set using a technique called circular breathing in which the player continues breathing in through the nose

Is your kid becoming a digital orphan, exile or heir? Getty Images

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he terms ‘digital native’ and ‘digital immigrant’ have been used since 2001. ‘Natives’ are the generation born between the mid-1980s and the mid1990s that grew up with the internet revolution in America (the Indian digital natives arrived later). Tech strategist Alexandra Samuel argues in a Ted article that it is time to dump this broad native/immigrant division because most children even in developing countries are exposed to the internet today. Instead, she says, they should be seen as digital ‘orphans, exiles and heirs’ for a better understanding of their behaviour. The difference is largely down to parenting, Samuel says. Digital orphans have easy and plentiful access to technology but no guidance. That sounds like every

nursery kid kept restrained with a smartphone at the school bus stop. Their parents don’t discuss the technology and its experience. “Orphans might end up prioritising online networks over face-to-face interactions, leading to shaky interpersonal skills.” This could affect their real world behavior: “Without reflecting on the consequences of technology, they could end up bringing some of the worst of the internet into offline society (think: trolling, flaming), instead of actively working to elevate online and offline life.” Digital exiles are children whose parents deliberately delay exposure to technology until the teens, with the downside that the children make up for lost time with all the zeal of rebels. “They’ll become

A video of a cricket match played in Mumbai on ‘zero shadow day’ was seen more than 4 lakh times on TOI’s Facebook page. The sun was perfectly overhead on May 15. http://bit.ly/2pW8n0u

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WIT OF THE WEEK

No shadows at all for 2 minutes

Kenny G

However, Guinness World Records does not recognise attempts made using circular breathing anymore

For more: Ideas.ted.com

NYT Syndication

TO I ’S M O S T WATC H E D

SHOW-AND-TELL METHOD IS BEST: Heavy exposure to technology without guidance could make kids socially inept

intense social networking users, as well the ones likely to get into various forms of online trouble. Other exiles, however, could continue following their parents’ lead and mature into neo-Luddites.” How will the ‘exiles’ cope with a world where all services have moved online? “Will governments and corporations be willing to offer face-to-face service options for citizens who reject digital channels ideologically?” Digital heirs have both technology exposure and guidance and can be expected to reflect their tech-savvy orientation in consumer, social and political lives. But they might struggle to adjust with their “less knowledgeable peers, so they’ll need a little charm and flexibility to get along.”

NET KILLS ‘COMPLICATED’ SINGER AVRIL LAVIGNE, AGAIN

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anadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne is no stranger to virtual death. Fifteen years after her single Complicated became a hit, an old conspiracy theory about her ‘suicide’ resurfaced on Twitter and went viral. The story goes Lavigne took her own life in late 2003 after her grandfather’s death. What explains her continued public appearances? “Because her supposed death occurred at the peak of her career, Ms Lavigne’s record company hired a lookalike known as

Melissa Vandella to impersonate her,” says a report in BBC. Another time she was said to have died in a snowboarding accident. Those who believe she is no more cite altered features, handwriting, and taste in fashion as ‘evidence’. There’s even a Brazilian blog called Avril Esta Morta (Avril is dead), and a Twitter hashtag #NotMyAvril. It didn’t matter to them that the living Lavigne tweeted a picture of herself with her mom on Mother’s Day last week. For more: BBC

https://t.me/velarch ALL THAT MATTERS

SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI MAY 21, 2017

Why we’re more achhe today than three years ago

almighty high. His personal popularity, verging on mass adulation, has remained firmly intact; the government is coherent and the internal spats that characterised earlier coalitions are absent; ministers work with a sense of direction and governance is more purposeful, even more efficient; big-ticket corruption and cronyism have come down dramatically; and the interminable government-RSS tensions that were a feature of the Vajpayee regime are noticeably absent in the Modi raj. Above all, the Modi government has exuded raw energy. Outside Lutyens’ Delhi, however, the road is patchy. There are areas — notably road building, rural electrification and the widespread distribution of cooking gas cylinders — where government initiatives have impacted positively SWAPAN DASGUPTA on people’s lives. Railway stations are looking cleaner than Three years, in a five-year term, is a rea- at any point in recent history. Nearly a million more people sonable time for assessing any govern- are paying direct taxes and this is certain to lighten the burment. It gives us a clear sense of what has den of those who have hitherto lived honest lives. Inflation been achieved and what more can possibly is under control and has, for the moment, ceased to be a be done in the remaining 18 months before political talking point. We are even witnessing the scaffoldthe political class shifts to campaign mode. ings of a welfare state that is not hamstrung by widespread It is, no doubt, an interim report but one that may not devi- corruption. More beneficiaries are getting their dues from the state without transmission losses. ate wildly from the final assessment. At the same time, and despite the record levels of The question remains: who will make the assessment? In democratic politics, the voter is the final judge of wheth- foreign direct investment, there are concerns over jobs. Like other countries, India is er a government has lived up to grappling with the uncertain expectations or been a crashing transition to a post-manufacturdisappointment. In Britain, miding age. The Smart Cities are term opinion polls ask a simple still blueprints and urban expanquestion to respondents: ‘Are you sion remains marked by squalor better off today than you were and chaos. There are still too three years ago?” The answers, many people dependant on agribased entirely on perception, ofculture than is viable. Most disfer an indication of likely voting tressingly, and despite the unintentions two years later, unless cluttering of bureaucratic prosomething dramatic intervenes. cedures, a big chunk of Indian In the Indian context, matecapitalism has proved unable to rial well-being has never been the cope with rule-based competionly yardstick of voting prefertion rather than cronyism. Quite ence. Electoral outcomes have ACHHE DIN: More beneficiaries are getting their unintentionally, the Indian state been complicated by community dues from the state without transmission losses has got a new lease of life and solidarity, electoral alliances and, increasingly, by personality considerations. Which factor is prompted a rebirth of Keynesian strategies. Finally, uppermost in the mind of the voter depends substantially while government decision-making has become far more on how the election campaign unfolds. In 2014, Narendra transparent and less cumbersome, it is still pitifully slow. The problems are no doubt daunting but the mood is Modi succeeded in making the parliamentary election resemble a presidential contest. In the process, he won over optimistic. There was a fear that the catchy 2014 promise of achhe din would prompt a backlash of unfulfilled aspiravoters who have traditionally not voted for the BJP. However, it is important to remember that the outcome tions. It hasn’t happened. On the contrary, as demonetisation of even a presidential-type contest doesn’t depend on who showed, ordinary Indians have borne personal inconvenmakes the best speeches or has the catchiest slogan. These iences with astonishing — almost Gandhian — fortitude. can at best reaffirm existing perceptions. Except for first- More than a crore have voluntarily surrendered their cooktime voters who come with a relatively clean slate and tend ing gas subsidy. There appears to be an innate trust in Modi’s to be more impressionable — but also more aspirational leadership and a shared conviction that India is destined for — the voting intention is determined by an indeterminate greater things. In a way, Modi’s Mann ki Baat, concerned combination of trust and personal experience. In India, good with everyday issues, has given him a supra-political image governance does not guarantee re-election and — as Lalu and provided a cushion to withstand the derision of an intelYadav demonstrated in Bihar — misrule doesn’t automati- ligentsia that sees itself as post-national. cally invite electoral disaster. Judged from this quirky yardstick, Prime Minister Like the article: SMS MTMVSDG Modi has completed the third year of his term on an Yes or No to 58888@ 3/sms

RIGHT & WRONG

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I’m not saying take bullshit on the border. But speak softly and carry a big stick Anuja Chauhan’s novels fizz with romance and social comedy, but she’s also taken on India’s biggest preoccupations: cricket, elections and Bollywood. She talks to Amulya Gopalakrishnan about her latest novel, Baaz, which confronts a topic we now cautiously edge around — militarism and peace Baaz is all about soldiers and sacrifice, and the values of war and peace. Did you mean for it to be so topical? Whether you read it as a peacenik or not, you come away thinking more seriously about the other side. Well, I’m from a military family. I’ve grown up in the cantonment. I always knew I’d write something about the armed forces, but it took me a while to do my homework. I’d done so many girly books, and felt like a serious change in gear. And in all my books, I put in some kind of conflict, some kind of an ideology whether it’s ‘proper journalism versus government propaganda’ or superstition versus ability, whatever it is. Here I felt the conflict is very much this. There are two ways of looking at this whole thing. Books don’t talk about it, movies don’t talk about it, except in this rah rah, hypernationalist way. Then t h e r e ’s a l l t h e whataboutery — if anything happens, they drag some soldier into the debate. Like Vinod Khanna died, and everybody cries, but what about this lieutenant who also died? I mean, what’s the connection? It’s also not nice to soldiers. Just because you want your cheap vicarious kicks, your little dose of machismo as you sit around doing nothing, you want to put some young lad’s life on the line. It’s irresponsible and ill-informed. I’m not saying we don’t need a strong army or that we should take bullshit on the border. But speak softly and carry a big stick, that’s a fine philosophy. These days, only one narrative about soldiers is allowed. Look at when Vikram Batra’s mother spoke up a few years ago — if she doesn’t stick to the script she’s not a martyr’s mother any more, she’s a

FOR THE

RECORD

traitor, or matlabi or money-crazy. Look at the whole OROP thing, people don’t really care about soldiers. I wanted to show both sides. I finished the book in November, and the Gurmehar Kaur issue happened after that. She’s a shaheed’s daughter, a pacifist in a women’s college, so it was uncanny (the resemblance to the book’s heroine), but then again, I suppose there are recurring, classic conversations we have between a pacifist and someone who thinks ‘bhoon do’ (kill them).

The novel is also very detailed about the aircraft, the manoeuvres and the details of the 1971 war. Did that take a lot of learning? Oh yes, there was a lot of research. I drank so much whiskey paani with so many fighters, some young guys, some old gentlemen. And they’re so peppy, they describe everything so visually and so excitedly. The air force seeks out people like that — that hyper-alert, cool, cockpit mentality. They’re boys with toys, but they’re also unflappable and mature in a way. What’s the feedback from military folks? Nothing negative so far. The only thing the

air force guys objected to was the F16s in the cover typeface. Next edition I promised we’ll have MIG-21s — even though they look like hypodermic syringes. That outrage stuff happens only if it’s a movie or something high profile, with big money involved. We’re just writers in English, who cares?

You write popular fiction, but your characters are complex… Take this novel. Now, if a soldier dies, we should think about who he really was. I just wanted to make that real. He wasn’t just some hot guy in navy blue. He had best friends, a girlfriend, a family. You see the enormous tragedy of one child dying, you have to appreciate his life, and then see the sacrifice. He’s not just some cutout. Otherwise you’re just fetishising him. Objectifying him. Though that’s okay too, Tinka in the novel objectifies him all the time, I’m all for that. But still. You write a great cast of characters, along with the lovers — there are sisters and aunts and friends. Is female bonding a deliberate point of focus? No, we all just have these people in our lives, it’s not a vacuum. You’ll be busy falling in love, and there’ll be your aunt who says “Mother Dairy se doodh lao”. All the prosaic ordinary things, it all adds to the deliciousness of the romance. There’s the happy gas of the romance as well as smells from the bathroom. That’s how it is in real life, you know. You actually write using the silly Delhi words in our heads, the exact way someone might say “desperate” or “she could dimly see his future hotness”. Do you have to try hard to achieve that effect? I don’t think I’m great with new languages, but I have an ear for slang. And my kids keep me with it. I do have some habits I need to kick, though. Like, people are always going very still in my books. I’m so alarmed when people say they read all my books in one go, I feel, bas, now I’m exposed.

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Anchor jihad is like WWF, but the damage is real AAKARVANI AAKAR PATEL Something unusual happened in America this week. More people watched liberal MSNBC and centrist CNN than they did conservative Fox News. This is unusual because the norm is that the conservative media dominates ratings for news, whether radio or TV. This is for two reasons. First, what passes for conservatism is usually a blend of racism, misogyny and xenophobia. The Western obsessions of these times, meaning immigration, terrorism and border walls, all respond to this blend. The second reason is that people who are prejudiced like having their prejudices repeated to them. Conservative talk show hosts offer little illumination, but what they have is certitude and strong emotion and their listeners tune in to nod in agreement. On the other hand, liberals are more relaxed and

OVER TO THE STUDIOS: The jihadi anchor is not loyal to any cause higher than ratings

also they tend to accept and offer a diversity of opinions (the place I work in, a civil society organisation that is stuffed with such people, reminds me of this daily). The lack of uniformity and a general openness means that liberal talk shows are not of the constantly angry variety. The problem is that it makes them less entertaining than the ones hurling brimstone and fire, and less satisfying to those seeking validation. This general rule explains why conservative news shows are the ones that do better in terms of ratings. Why has this reversed this week in America? Because an incompetent presidency is imploding and the conservative networks are not reporting the story. At this time it is not a defence of ideology that most viewers seek, but information, and because of their nature, conservative stations don’t do information as well as they do opinion. In India’s media, angry opinion of course always dominates. Whether it is a ‘liberal’ or ‘rightwing’ government in power, the kooks are running the asylum from the studios.

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Forget the Bush-Manmohan Singh vision of a nuclear power renaissance. Recent developments — cheap solar power plus the bankruptcy of Westinghouse — call for a total overhaul of nuclear plans that now look obsolete, dangerous and ultra-costly. I say this as one who solidly supported the BushManmohan deal in 2005. That deal lifted sanctions against India, and provided access to imported uranium and nuclear technology. In return, the US, France, Japan and Russia were to build six nuclear plants each in India, reviving their flagging equipment industries. In 2005, the nuclear industry expected a boom following global concerns on greenhouse gases. Nuclear power then was costlier than coal-based power

Westinghouse, owned by Japan’s Toshiba, has suffered huge time-cost overruns at two US plants and declared bankruptcy. Toshiba will suffer a net loss of $9.9 billion this year, and is quitting nuclear construction. If the bankrupt rump of Westinghouse finds no buyer or a non-Japanese buyer, India’s political obligation to buy its equipment disappears. During the parliamentary debate on the BushManmohan deal, the government claimed that nuclear power would cost no more than coalbased power, which was Rs 2.50/unit then. Today it is Rs 4/unit. Can foreign nuclear suppliers match this? No. Aniruddh Mohan of the Observer Research Foundation says the two new Russian reactors, Kudankulam 3 and 4, have a negotiated tariff of Rs 6.30/unit. He estimates tariffs will be Rs 9 for Westinghouse and Rs 12 for Areva. News reports say India seeks to cap the Areva tariff at Rs 7/unit. These tariffs look insanely costly compared with the latest solar power deal of Rs 2.62/unit in Rajasthan. This price cloaks implicit subsidies like

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SWAMINATHAN S ANKLESARIA AIYAR

but much cheaper than solar. With many nations going big on nuclear, scale economies plus thirdgeneration technology promised to make nuclear power as cheap as thermal power, minus the carbon. Then came the Fukushima disaster in Japan. This highlighted the nuclear power risks. It led to the closure of old nuclear plants and cancellation of new ones across the world. The disappearance of mass orders killed scale economies for equipment, while new safety concerns led to expensive re-design. Meanwhile 3G technology flopped in the power stations France’s Areva was building in Finland and Normandy, causing huge cost and time overruns. Areva sank financially, and was rescued by EDF of France. But EDF itself was financially stressed and could not find the equity capital for a contracted nuclear station at Hinkley Point, UK. That project was saved when China Nuclear Electric agreed to take a 33% stake. The project will supply power at Rs 8/unit, double the current wholesale price, amidst widespread criticism.

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SWAMINOMICS

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Don’t go for pricey foreign N-power plants when solar’s going dirt-cheap

I’m coining a phrase: anchor jihad. It is the fake crusade launched from the studios every night, recklessly urging the nation to war. There is of course no real fighting in this jihad of make-up and cameras. Like WWF wrestling there is shouting and threatening but little else. Retired soldiers and politicians and assorted experts and hapless people representing the ‘enemy’ (no doubt paid to accept their ritual humiliation) are the forces arrayed in this fake war. They claim to worship the jawan but in reality have zero respect for the fighting man, who is expected to martyr himself so that they can show our nationalism. The jihadi anchor is not loyal to any cause higher than ratings. This can be proved quite easily. It will be a call for more surgical strikes one day and the doings of the Mukherjeas the next. Everything is reported at the same level of lunatic intensity. And news media is ultimately a business, which is fine but it means that the currency they operate in and the one that the anchor is given his increments and promotions on is ‘impact’, meaning how many people watched the show. Focusing on issues requiring the gathering and analysing of data is tough and it is boring and it does not make good visuals. Hence the daily screaming and threatening. All of this would be entertaining but for the fact that it is quite damaging to India. In the US, 10,000 children do not die of malnutrition every week (as in India). They don’t have the abysmal healthcare and education system that stunts millions of Indians, physically and mentally. They can afford to obsess over trivial things in their nightly news, meaning the doings of their enemies across the border. We don’t have that luxury. When our media deliberately and for economic reasons turns the focus away from the meaningful to the trivial, there is real damage it does to other Indians. The reason why we have enthusiastic participation from the government on our debates is that it is much easier to shout about Pakistan and terrorists and then return home for supper, than it is to offer an update on health and education. That is why Kashmir and violence in the Adivasi belt are covered like they are recent stories of separatist perfidy rather than complex conflicts that have been with us for decades. Most of what I have written, readers of The Sunday Times of India already know. However, the reason I am writing this is that it is actually getting worse. I do not know how many readers have noticed that the thoughtful, balanced anchors of our time are leaving or forced to go because they refuse to do jihadi anchoring. Karan Thapar is off the air, and it staggers me that someone who is prepared and focused on fact is not available to Indians who seek choice and do not want cacophony and make-believe war. It works to the interest of the anchor, the media business and the government that we carry on with news jihad. It hurts the citizen deeply. Like the article: SMS MTMVCOL Yes or No to 58888@ 3/sms

RHYME & REASON AMIT VARMA

GST The Goods and Services Tax is here. Most other taxes will disappear. One massive overhaul. One tax to rule them all, Till the slabs and exemptions appear.

OVERDOSE So much cricket is driving me mad. The IPL had seemed just a fad. Cricket is such a bore, I will watch it no more. (Except today’s final, let me add.)

INBOX Democracy, did you say? Apropos Aakar Patel’s article ‘Yes, India is a democracy but it’s not really a republic’ (May 14), it’s debatable whether we are functioning as a true democracy. Lincoln defined democracy as “govt of the people, by the people and for the people”. In practice, our democracy is govt of and by a majority of people who actually cast their votes in an election. A situation can thus arise where the govt is formed by a minority merely because the majority did not care to vote! Electoral laws should be amended making an election valid only if at least 50% of voters in a constituency cast their votes. Otherwise we shall continue to have instances like the recent election of Farooq Abdullah from a Kashmir constituency where only 7% had cast their votes. This surely makes a mockery of the basic concept of a democratic republic that we claim to be. M M Mathur, Delhi

Ground the Maharaja This refers to Swaminathan Aiyar’s ‘The Maharaja’s worse than Mallya. Declare Indigo the national carrier’ (May 14). The money-guzzling airline has become a symbol of inefficiency. Besides becoming a carrier for netas and their hangers-on, Air India is serving no real purpose in the competitive world of aviation. The sooner it’s curtains for the Maharaja, the better. Ashok Goswami, Chennai Email the editor at

[email protected] with ‘Sunday Mailbox’ in the subject line. Please mention your name and city

cheap land, accelerated depreciation, and hidden costs for transmission and the backing down of thermal plants. But nuclear power also gets cheap land, cheap insurance (a huge subsidy) and guaranteed offtake. Besides, the price of solar power keeps falling, and could halve again. New N-plants could take 8-10 years to build, by which time solar power may cost just Rs 1.50/unit, and storage costs may fall below Rs 1/unit. It is crazy to build nuclear plants producing power several times costlier. The solar revolution means that, a decade hence, other forms of power will be needed mainly for peak evening demand. Nuclear power is totally unsuitable for peaking. Now, the nuclear deal implicitly obliged India to buy nuclear plants from the four foreign powers. But at the time, these were supposed to be competitive with thermal power. That’s now a pipedream. To avoid gargantuan financial losses, India needs to exit these foreign deals if at all possible. Diplomacy mandates that India cannot renege sim-

ply because solar power has become cheap. But India can demand that suppliers stick to the original idea of thermal price parity. If they cannot — as is the case — India should politely excuse itself, saying it can live up to its side of the implicit deal only if foreign suppliers live up to theirs. General Electric of the US has anyway opted out of Indian nuclear plants, saying Indian liability limits for accidents are insufficient. If Westinghouse finds no buyer, or a non-Japanese buyer, India can scrap that deal. For Areva and future Russian plants, India should insist on thermal price equivalence, even if it sinks those deals. India’s indigenous nuclear power plants are the cheapest, at Rs 5/unit. If fixed for 25 years, this is competitive with coal and less polluting. We need a fresh 10-year plan to create an optimal mix of solar, thermal, and nuclear power. Like the article: SMS MTMVSA Yes or No to 58888@ 3/sms

Intermarry and be damned. 2 Parsi women challenge bias ERRATICA BACHI KARKARIA India’s Parsis are so respected because they alone have never been involved in communal skirmishes. Ironic then that our own ugly wars are hurtling us to our doom. The most divisive issue is intermarriage, now a malignant obsession. One radical change could robustly alter our critical demography: 57,000, and shrinking by the day. But what chance does it have in today’s shrill orthodoxy and a disgracefully bickering leadership? Magnanimous Parsi trusts are founded in the community’s rubric of social justice. Parsi industries instituted labour welfare long before it was mandated. But Parsi women, so seemingly liberated, are yet to sight the constitutional guarantee of gender justice, also at the heart of the triple talaq and shrine-entry issues. They are totally unequal in the emotive matter of intermarriage, which accounts for 37% of all marriages in a community already burdened by ‘never marrieds’. As many Parsi men as women choose partners from outside the fast-depleting pool. But a woman daring to do so is accused of sedition and heresy, because her ‘selfish’ act jeopardises community and religion. Her children are lost to both. Not so those of the intermarried Parsi male. In 1909, Justices Beaman and Davar of the Bombay High Court went beyond ruling on the hotly opposed ‘conversion’ of R D Tata’s French bride. They appended a definition of ‘Parsi’, declaring that it applied to the descendants of the original band of Zoroastrian refugees, but only along the male line. This judicial zeal has denied all secular and sacred rights to the children of a Parsi woman married to a non-Parsi. They cannot be initiated into the Zoroastrian faith through the Navjote ceremony. This skew was inevitable in the unquestioned patriarchy of an earlier age, but it has actually worsened in the decades enlightened by gender equality. Trustees and priests have been aggressively — and whimsically — barring even these fully Parsi-Zoroastrian intermarried women from fire temples and traditional funeral rites. What began in the courts has once again arrived there, and with it an opportunity to end this regressive discrimination. On April 21, the Supreme Court agreed to examine the special leave petition filed by Goolrookh Gupta, challenging the 2012 ruling of the Gujarat High Court that she ceased to be a Parsi Zoroastrian on account of her marriage to a non-Parsi, despite being married under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, and hence had no right to ask the Valsad Parsi Anjuman Trust to allow her to pray at the fire temple and, when necessary, to perform the funeral rites of her aged parents in the Tower of Silence. The civil marriage law can be availed of by any Indian national anywhere, and does not require religion to be renounced by either party. Gupta challenged the proposition of the Gujarat HC that a wife automatically acquires the religion of her husband,

stating that it amounted to the denial of the fundamental right to freely profess and practise one’s religion, a gender-neutral guarantee under Article 25. The Supreme Court will deliberate on Gupta’s petition in August. A second case is potentially more cataclysmic. At safe distance from the obiter dicta of the Bombay Parsee Punchayet, Kolkata’s tiny but vibrant Parsi community has been, like Delhi’s, close but not closed. From here has risen a challenge to the fundamental 1909 judgment itself. The soft-spoken basketball player and homemaker, Prochy N Mehta is an unlikely firebrand, but the Calcutta High Court will hear in June an originating summons for interpreting the trust deed of the city’s only remaining fire temple. She had sought permission for her grandchildren to enter it, a practice stopped by the new priest. Their father is a Hindu Brahmin, but, in a joint show of defiance by three prominent Parsi families with intermarried daughters, all these grandchildren had their Navjotes performed by progressive priests, and so are initiated Zoroastrians ( though

UNEQUAL: Accepting the kids of intermarried Parsi women would replenish both community and faith

technically not Parsis). The Bombay Parsee Punchayet had squandered over Rs 2 crore in legal expenses trying to ‘defrock’ such ‘retrograde’ priests, who also provide the final grace of funeral prayers denied to the growing number opting for cremation. Almost 30% of Parsi women remain unmarried largely because of this emotional blackmail. Accepting the children of intermarried Parsi women would replenish both community and faith in one go. But the strident orthodoxy plays on the paranoia over grubby fingers grabbing communal funds and coveted housing. It is an existential choice. But a diluted gene pool has a logical case when a ‘pure’ one is increasingly non-viable. Parsis claim exclusive rights to Zoroastrianism, so making the ethnic sacrifice may again be the only way to save their ancient religion. Some 1,200 years ago, didn’t our forefathers bravely abandon their millennia-long Persian identity for just such a worthier cause? Like the article: SMS MTMVCOL Yes or No to 58888@ 3/sms

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SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI MAY 21, 2017

World’s seed vault flooded by melting ice

This ATC will have no one inside Getty Images

London City airport to have remote tower that will use Pokemon Go-style AR system

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he Arctic stronghold known as the “Doomsday Vault”, which was designed to protect the world’s most precious seeds from global catastrophe, has been flooded by melting ice. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, built to preserve humanity’s food sources in the event of man-made or natural disasters, was breached after rising temperatures sent water gushing through its entrance tunnel. The “doomsday” crypt is located deep within a mountain on the northern Norweigian island of Spitsbergen and lies beneath a thick permafrost which had been expected to provide impregnable protection. Its high-security doors were closed in 2008 and were not expected to be opened for many generations. But a dramatic rise in Arctic temperatures during the hottest year ever recorded melted ice and brought heavy rain during winter, when snow would typically have been falling. The meltwater froze in the entrance tunnel and did not infiltrate the seed bank itself, which stores millions of packets of samples from the world’s most important crops. But the breach has raised questions about the the vault’s ability to survive disasters. The vault’s managers have installed pumps to remove water if it is flooded again and are working to make the entrance tunnel waterproof. THE INDEPENDENT

Costas Pitas

STYLISH COVER-UP: There is a growing trend among Chinese mothers to hide their C-section scars with tattoos. One Shanghai artist offers free tattoos to help women regain confidence in their bodies

Flu, colds raise risk of heart attack Colds can raise your risk of a heart attack by 13 times, a study shows. And the danger from a more severe illness like the flu, bronchitis or pneumonia is even greater— increasing the likelihood 17-fold. The latest study could explain why more people die from heart disease in winter. The dramatic rise in risk peaks in the first seven days of being struck down—but patients remain endangered for a full month, say scientists. It’s believed upper and lower respiratory tract infections can damage vessels or arteries.

Rising seas could double coastal flooding: Rising sea levels driven by global warming are on track to dramatically boost the frequency of coastal flooding worldwide by 2050, especially in tropical regions, researchers said. A 10-20 cm jump in the global ocean watermark would double flood risk in high-latitude regions, they reported in the journal Scientific Reports. Major cities along the North American seaboard such as Vancouver, Seattle and San Francisco would be highly exposed.

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f you fly into London City in two years’ time, air traffic controllers won’t see your plane through a window but will guide it down from screens 110 km away as the airport becomes one of the first in a major capital to use a digital control tower. Staff will monitor planes with the help of high-tech 360-degree cameras and sensors fitted to a newly constructed tower, with data and a panoramic views all feeding through to the national air traffic control center in the southern town of Swanwick. The airport, which is undergoing

VIRTUAL TRACKING: The digital tower will enhance safety and efficiency

trollers is the Pokémon Go-style augmented reality that the system brings, reports The Gaurdian. Overlaid on the live video image, at the press of a button, is all the data that used to occupy several other screens or terminals. The controller can see all the identifying flight and radar information in the skies alongside it from the digital tower. This array of digital tools will improve their awareness of situations and efficiency, allowing for quick decision-making. At night, the contours of the runway can be highlighted with graphics. In low light, visibility can be improved while cameras will detect anything that is not authorised traffic. London City chief executive Declan Collier said: “We want to future-proof the airport.”

a 350 million pound (Rs 2,940 crore) expansion, is located near the Canary Wharf financial center in east London and used by over 4.5 million passengers mainly for business travel between Europe’s major centers. But what has most enthused con-

‘Plane passengers should pay each other to recline’ Getty Images

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eclining your seat during a flight is one of the most contentious moves you can make on a plane. Two American law professors have potentially come up with a solution, proposing a bargaining system whereby passengers would have to pay

for the privilege of putting their seat back — or be paid to refrain from doing so. On average, passengers would be willing to pay $12 (Rs 770) to the passenger behind them to lean back, while those sitting in the seat behind would demand $39 (Rs 2,500) before they sacrificed their legroom, the study found. THE INDEPENDENT

REUTERS AND AGENCIES

THIS ‘VENDING MACHINE’ DISPENSES FERRARIS

Why hydrogen water is the new health fad Getty Images

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THE H-FACTOR: Two glasses a day can slow ageing and reduce inflammation

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15 STOREYS OF WHEELS: Forget about soft drinks and potato chips — the “world’s largest luxury car vending machine” in Singapore is offering up luxury vehicles, including Bentleys, Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Customers on the ground floor choose the car they wish to see from a touchscreen display. The car arrives within one to two minutes

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ydrogen water is the latest wellness trend to hit the US and UK. After vitamin-fortified water, health buffs are now buying hydrogen-enriched water with much-touted benefits such as reducing inflammation, wrinkles, bone loss and helping metabolise fat and glucose faster. These benefits can be achieved by chugging just about 500 ml (two glasses) of hydrogen-rich water a day, much less than the recommended 8 to 10 glasses a day of regular water, say studies. Regular water which has two molecules of hydrogen and one molecule of oxygen is neither alkaline nor acidic. But when it is infused with hydrogen — by either adding magnesium or through the process of electrolysis — it becomes rich in antioxidants. A 2013 review published in the journal Medical Gas Research found that when ingested hydrogen acts as an antioxidant, mopping up free radicals — inflammation-causing molecules linked to everything from accelerated skin ageing to cancer.

While the US and UK are new to this trend, the Japanese have long been advocating use of hydrogen-rich water, or the Shin’nooru solution, as they call it. So how does one get one’s hands on Hwater? A brand called HFactor sells pack-

aged hydrogen water and has Hollywood patrons like Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds and Zac Efron. The H-catalogue extends to hydrogen water tablets, alkaline water ionizer pH sticks, anti-oxidant hydrogen capsules, and even alkaline water drops. American dermatologist and nutritionist Dr Nicholas Perricone has come up with a dedicated hydrogen-infused skincare product line, H2, which claims to leave your skin super-hydrated. The trend is only just gaining momentum in India. While you may not be able to buy it off the shelf just yet, you can shop for H-water on eBay and Amazon. Dermatologist Dr Jamuna Pai vouches for health benefits of hydrogen and recommends drinking lots of water as it helps maintain optimum pH levels in the body. Despite the claims, there’s no large-scale scientific study to back consumption of hydrogen-rich water. “The research that exists is interesting enough to warrant further investigation,” says Sarah L Ash, PhD, a professor of nutrition at North Carolina State University.

SUNDAY CROSSWORD 3099

IPL final Rising Pune Supergiant take on Mumbai Indians in the title clash of the 10th IPL in Hyderabad tonight

Taash auction A deck of cards by 54 of India’s most important artists will be on offer at Christie’s South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art sale in London on Thursday

CBSE results The results of the CBSE Class 12 exam are expected to be released in the second half of the week, between Wednesday and Saturday

Longest bridge PM Modi will inaugurate the 9.15-km Dhola-Sadiya bridge over the Brahmaputra in Assam on Friday, kicking off celebrations of the NDA govt’s three years in office

Surfing meet About 120 surfers are likely to take part in the second edition of the three-day Indian Open of Surfing at Sasihithlu Beach near Mangaluru from Friday

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CRYPTIC CLUES ACROSS 1 Grass doing well? (6) 4 Stop work to steal (5,3) 9 Close - doubly close in fact (6) 10 Obtains assistance that’s denied (8) 12 Dollars stolen to obtain ammunition (8) 13 Discovery means plea is changed (6) 15 Prepare to put out with the turn of the tide (4) 16 What travellers, soldiers and clerics do (4,6) 19 Entranced by springtime. Just the reverse! (10) 20 Heartless head cook (4) 23 Dress I put on about spring (6) 25 Steam whistle stops? (3,5) 27 Burst into song about wine? Fair enough (8) 28 Somehow averts having to go without food (6) 29 Control shown as others fall (8) 30 The balance mounts (6)

DOWN 1 One glib misrepresentation is base (7) 2 In France it is his right to vote (9) 3 Healthy transport in decay (6) 5 One of the original wild-life conservationists? (4) 6 Coy nurse as the centre of attraction (8) 7 All right - a sanctimonious creature (5) 8 Works in a band in fraudulent transactions (7) 11 A muscle that turns up or down (7) 14 Alice’s top drawer? (7) 17 Possibly ample here but it doesn’t last long (9) 18 A secluded walk (8) 19 One responsible for advertising ‘The Godfather’? (7) 21 Fans set out for ties (7) 22 Radio reception problem which never goes away (6) 24 Though solid in form they may have fragile footing (5) 26 It turns up after an opponent (4)

QUICK CLUES ACROSS 1 Solemn undertaking (6) 4 Congregate (8) 9 Debris from building demolition (6) 10 Idiosyncratic (8) 12 Keen-sighted (4-4) 13 Mark of shame (6) 15 Grim fate (4) 16 Brave resolute person (5,2,3) 19 A genealogical chart (6,4) 20 A raised platform (4) 23 Invariably (6) 25 Austrian creator of the lied (8) 27 Made to suit a purpose (8) 28 Eastern market-place (6) 29 In a convincing way (8) 30 Exacting (6)

DOWN 1 Dried out with heat (7) 2 Adequate space to work in (9) 3 Ship’s kitchen (6) 5 Originate (4) 6 Volcanic explosion (8) 7 Existence (5) 8 Set aside for special purpose (7) 11 Souvenir (7) 14 Pressing necessity (7) 17 Typically (2,7) 18 Minimise importance of (4,4) 19 Desperate (7) 21 Liberate (3,4) 22 Compassionate (6) 24 Twist forcibly (5) 26 Transaction (4)

SOLUTIONS TO CROSSWORD 3098 CRYPTIC

Aries: Decoration, renovation, acquisition, construction may all happenthis week. There may be huge expenses – not all anticipated, either. But you have the desire to fulfil demands made on you by family and loved ones, and you find ways and means to do so.

Libra: You have realised just how inspired, creative and successful you can be. You now apply these skills afresh to the handling of finances and managing home and family. Romance and love are full of depth and intensity. What more could you possibly ask for?

Taurus: Once again, the money angle is good. Your work is now paying you marvellously and you are eager to attack work, anyway. You get perks, bonuses, cash awards, as well as greater status and recognition. A truly wonderful trend for the period. Richly deserved, adds Ganesha!

Scorpio: In your own sign, the intensity of your love is strengthened, renewed. Please read the last few lines of the preceding forecast again! What you may not have asked for, but get anyway from Ganesha are tranquillity and peace. There’s also interaction with friends, family, your loved one.

Gemini: Now that finances are well in hand, you have the time to think of how you can be of help to people other than family. Your colleagues, subordinates find you sympathetic, work is accomplished, deadlines met. You’re in a mood to fulfil expectations, taking a leaf out of Ganesha’s book.

Sagittarius: You’re in a mood to take calculated risks, make daring plans, projects. Don’t carry it into the realm of risky financial deals. The recent stock market crashes should make you wary and careful. It’s always good to be wary and carefully with your investments, adds Ganesha.

Cancer: Yet again, Ganesha grants you ease, comfort, smoothness in both the money and work angles. Projects, plans go through without a hitch. You may feel that you have not devoted enough time to your lover/spouse. You now set out to make amends – with much flair and tenderness.

Capricorn: You continue to focus primarily on finances and investments. You make good use of the opportunities that are opening up. The trend continues in this phase, too. You realise that money brings you a certain authority, bargaining strength. And we all love power, don’t we?

Leo: You feel that nothing is more important than your own family. Parents, children, relatives, friends – you have time and tenderness for them all. You are also willing to lavish money on them. All in the interests of drawing the family closer still. Ganesha approves greatly!

Aquarius: It’s company/ corporate funds, stock options, venture capital and other such mega – finances that you’ll be dealing with once again. That’s not your total preoccupation, though. You have time for romance, love, dallying with your lover and also for good wholesome fun with your family.

Virgo: You have literally and figuratively put your house in order, achieved a fine balance between work and family. Your handling of finances is brilliant, but there is a new sensitivity in your handling of personal relationships, romance, filial duties. Once again, truly great going.

Pisces: It is a time when renewing of ties, links and bonds is very definitely favoured. All media of communication, too. As the Bell company ad has said for years – it’s time for you to “reach out and touch someone”, even if it’s just a phone call or an email!

QUICK

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https://t.me/velarch TIMES GLOBAL

SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI * MAY 21, 2017

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Decisively re-elected, Rouhani Sacked FBI chief to testify in pledges ‘to open Iran to world’ public hearing before Senate US Prez Lands In Riyadh As Troubles Intensify Back Home

AP

Jared Kushner ‘Person Of Interest’ In Russia Probe Chidanand.Rajghatta @timesgroup.com

Washington: Sacked Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey will testify in public before a Senate panel on his investigation into the Trump campaign’s possible ties to Russia, even as the US president landed in Saudi Arabia on his first foreign tour with his administration in doldrums and his domestic political future in doubt. The Senate Intelligence Committee, chaired by Republican Richard Burr of North Carolina, said it expected Comey to “shed light on issues critical to this panel’s probe of Russian interference” in the 2016 polls, in announcing the open hearing after Memorial Day weekend (May 2) by which time Trump is expected to return from his five-nation trip. The bombshell came on the heels of new reports emerging that investigation into possible coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign had identified a current White House official as a “significant person of interest”. New York Magazine named the individual as Trump’s son-in-law Jared

President Donald Trump and wife Melania arrive in Riyadh on Saturday. The First Lady courted controversy as she didn’t cover her head, a practice regarded as custom for dignitaries visiting Saudi Arabia

US, Saudi sign agreements worth $200bn

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ashington has agreed to arms deals with Saudi Arabia worth almost $110 billion, a White House official said on Saturday. “This package of defence equipment and services support the long-term security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region in the face of Iranian threats,” the official said. A preliminary deal worth $6 billion to assemble 150 Lockheed Martin Blackhawk helicopters in Saudi Arabia was separately announced at the Saudi-US CEO Forum held in Riyadh during Trump’s visit. The two countries also signed several other deals to improve infrastructure and oil supplies. These deals, combined with the arms agreements, took the total value of pacts signed to around $200 billion. AGENCIES

Kushner. Several other Trump aides have had close contacts and business ties with Russia, and although the president has distanced himself from them or fired them, the flames of infamy are now coming uncomfortably close to him. Even Republican lawmakers are starting to maintain a distance from him, fearing a backlash in the 2018 mid-term

polls when the entire House of Representative goes up for election (the full House is up for grabs every two years). CNN reported on Friday that the Obama administration found Russian officials bragging in conversations during the presidential campaign that they had cultivated a strong relationship with Flynn and believed they could

use him to influence Trump. The conversations, discovered during intelligence intercepts, alarmed the Obama White House so much that there was a “five alarm fire” regarding Flynn, and the administration limited sharing of information with him during the transition when he was penciled in for national security adviser. Obama himself is said to have warned Trump about Flynn. But Trump not only picked Flynn as NSA, but continues to back him, calling him a good, decent man, as he attempts a paradigm shift on Russia. Such is the crisis afflicting the Trump presidency that jokes and memes on whether he will last the week or return from the foreign trip aside, talking heads are discussing in all seriousness scenarios ranging from impeachment to the prospect of resignation, something that Tony Schwartz, ghostwriter of ‘Art of the Deal’ said he would find a way to do if he looks like he’s “losing”. But Trump supporters continue to defend him amid daily leaks emanating from the White House. On Friday, media outlets that revealed that Trump had called sacked FBI director James Comey a “crazy nut job” said the story was based on an insider who read out minutes of the Oval Office meeting to them — an astonishing breach that suggests even Trump’s own inner circle is concerned about his actions.

Dubai/Beirut: President Hassan Rouhani pledged on Saturday to open Iran to the world and deliver the freedom its people have yearned for, throwing down a defiant challenge to his hardline opponents after securing a decisive re-election for a second term. Rouhani, a cautious and mild-mannered establishment insider, reinvented himself as a bold champion of reforms during the campaign, which culminated on Friday in victory with more than 57% of the vote. His main challenger, hardliner Ebrahim Raisi, one of four judges who sentenced thousands of political prisoners to death in the 1980s, received 38%. In his first speech after the result, Rouhani appeared to openly defy conservative judges by praising the spiritual leader of the reform camp, former President Mohammad Khatami. A court has banned quoting or naming Khatami, who has been blacklisted for his support for other reformists under arrest. “Our nation’s message in the election was clear: Iran’s nation chose the path of interaction with the world, away from violence and extremism,” Rouhani said. He promised to serve as president for all Iranians, not just those who voted for him. The Tehran Stock Exchange rallied after the election results came out, exten-

➤ Was Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator from 2003 to 2005 ➤ Won 1st term in 2013 promising ‘prudence’ in contrast to the reformist pitch in this election

A woman votes in Qom, Iran, on Saturday

What Next for Iran?

Relations With US

Despite a power-enhancing victory, Rouhani will continue to face pressure from hardliners within Iran’s judiciary and security services

Rouhani’s win may ease some of the tensions between the two, as a hardline victory could have further imperiled the N-deal already thrown into uncertainty by Trump

The Economy

Despite the N-deal with The Supreme Leader world powers, many Rouhani’s one of three international firms members on a council remain hesitant to rethat will eventually enter Iran for fear of take over from renewed sanctions. Ayatollah Khameinei A stable govt may — who’s old & not end that hesitance keeping well ROUHANI ding a recent winning streak to close nearly 1% higher at its highest level in three months. Although the powers of the elected president are limited by those of unelected supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who outranks him, the scale of Rouhani’s victory gives the pro-reform camp its

strongest mandate in at least 12 years to seek the sort of change that hardliners have thwarted for decades. Rouhani’s opponent Raisi, a protege of Khamenei, had united the conservative faction and had been tipped as a potential successor to the 77year-old leader.

New York: A 20-year-old Indian-origin Cornell University student was found dead after going missing since Wednesday. Aalaap Narasipura, a senior electrical engineering student at Cornell’s College of Engineering, was last seen in Cornell’s campus, and was wearing shorts and a flannel shirt with bright blue socks and leather sandals. Cornell University police, working with the New York state police, the Ithaca police and the Ithaca fire department, recovered his body on Friday from Fall Creek, a short distance upstream from Ithaca Falls. Police said the circumstances of Narasipura’s death were still under investigation, but no foul play was suspected. Earlier authorities had issued an advisory describing Narasipura as a dark-skinned male, 5-feet-9 inches tall. Vice President for student and campus life Ryan Lombardi described Narasipura as an “ambitious student” who was scheduled to graduate early this December. “He was active on the Ultimate Frisbee team, enjoyed taking photos, and planned to continue at Cornell to pursue a Master of Engineering degree,” he said. PTI

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“Richard Nixon on steroids”. Analysts also pointed out how Nixon had done the exact same thing at the height of the Watergate crisis: decamped from Washington for a trip to the Middle-East to escape the political heat. “I think this is a potentially more dangerous situation than Watergate,” mused Carl Bernstein, one of the two reporters who broke the story that led to Nixon’s eventual resignation, in a TV appearance. Trump meanwhile maintained radio silence (or Twit-

ter silence) on the developments in Washington while trying to bring attention to his trip. “Great to be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Looking forward to the afternoon and evening ahead,” he tweeted with the hashtag #POTUSAbroad. Some snarky responses followed, including one that said: “When you flatter him and give a gold medal, this is what you get. Selling America out. Make America Unsafe Again.” There were unflattering reports of Trump's son-in-law

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ore than the public, it’s been the British media and internet that have shown feverish interest in covering what has been touted as 2017’s biggest socialite event: the wedding of Britain’s future queen Princess Kate’s sister, who on Saturday married Chelsea-based multimillionaire James Mathews. All about the celebrity wedding here:

AROUND THE WORLD AFP

B’desh cops raid Zia’s office for ‘anti-state files’

WHO GOT MARRIED? Pippa Middleton (33), budding nutritionist and one-time Vanity Fair columnist and Duchess of Cambridge’s sister married multimillionaire James Mathews (41) in a private ceremony. Mathews is a low-key hedge fund manager, CEO of Eden Rock Capital Management Group in London, named after his parents’ lavish Caribbean resort, Eden Rock, in St Barts

WHO MADE IT TO THE GUEST LIST? About 150 guests attended, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William & Princess Kate), their children Prince George (3) and Princess Charlotte (2) (who were pageboy and bridesmaid) and Prince Harry. Wedding allowed only married couples — Roger Federer & wife Mirka also made the list

HOW LAVISH WAS THE WEDDING? ➤ At about $318,000, it cost about 15 times the average Brit wedding ➤ An expensive glass marquee (£100,000/

The re-election is likely to safeguard the nuclear agreement Rouhani reached with global powers in 2015, under which most international sanctions have been lifted in return for Iran curbing its nuclear programme. It delivers a setback to the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), the security force which controls a vast industrial empire in Iran, which had supported Raisi to safeguard their interests. Many experts are sceptical that a president can change much in Iran, as long as the supreme leader has veto power over all policies and control over security forces. “Democracy in Iran is allowed to bloom only a few days every four years. Autocracy is evergreen,” said Karim Sadjadpour, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment Institute. Rouhani will also have to navigate a tricky relationship with Washington, which appears at best ambivalent about the nuclear accord agreed by US ex-President Barack Obama. Donald Trump has repeatedly described it as “one of the worst deals ever signed”, although his administration re-authorised waivers from sanctions this week. Rouhani’s reinvention as a reformist helped stir the young, urban voters yearning for change. At times he broke rhetorical taboos, attacking the human rights record of the forces and judiciary. REUTERS

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Washington: Die-hard Donald Trump supporters are calling it a “silent coup” to oust a duly-elected president. Die-hard Trump critics are wondering when the dam will burst and what form the denouement will take, whether he will eventually resign. Amid a daily, and sometimes hourly, cascade of exploding scoops and breaking news, there is no meeting ground between the two sides. Such is the frenzy in Washington DC and other liberal lairs over the perceived meltdown in the Trump presidency that even the conservative Washington Free Beacon website was moved to announce in a banner headline on Friday: “Nation on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown”. Political pundits are working up a verbal storm, bashing around theories and scenarios that are unprecedented in modern US history — from coups to nuclear wars. One pundit called Trump

➤ Key figure in Iran’s political journey since 1979 revolution

‘ALMOST ROYAL’

AP

Jared Kushner swinging a $ 110 billion arms sales to Saudi Arabia, including accounts of him making a spur-of-the-moment phone call to the CEO of an armaments company. Trump supporters maintained that such activism benefited the US economy and countered with photos, cartoons, and memes showing Obama bowing deeply before the Saudi monarch, while claiming Trump did not. Trump critics recalled how he had once criticised Michelle Obama for not wearing a headscarf during a visit to Saudi Arabi and said it was insulting to the hosts, and now Melania Trump had done the same thing. As if all this was not sulfurous enough, Comey’s 86-year old father, a Republican, defended his son in an interview to a local New Jersey website while disclosing that he (the father) had not voted for Trump. “I’m convinced that he’s nuts. I thought he belonged in an institution. He was crazy before he became president. Now he's really crazy.”

WHO IS ROUHANI?

THE

Daily leaks & scoops leave Trump supporters, critics breathless Chidanand.Rajghatta @timesgroup.com

FROM PRUDENT TO REFORMIST

$174,400) imported from Belgium has been erected for the bash at the Middleton family home in Bucklebury

Quit in 7 days, Pak lawyers tell PM Sharif

China-Myanmar pipeline opens, enhancing ties

NYT

GOAT YOGA: In a new social media trend, yoga enthusiasts mimic poses of animals that have gone viral on the internet. (Above) Students do yoga with goats on top of them during a class in Nottingham

‘1888 hailstorm in India deadliest weather event’

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n 1888 hailstorm in India has been identified by the UN weather agency among the all-time deadly weather events. The hailstorm near UP’s Moradabad killed 246 people. This is the first time that the World Meteorological Organisation has broadened its scope from temperature and weather records to address impacts of specific events. The experts found that the highest mortality rate associated with extreme weather was during a 1970 tropical cyclone through what was at the time East Pakistan,

which killed an estimated 300,000 people.

Bear cub forays into ground, school cancels games: The appearance of a bear cub — a real one, not a mascot — forced the cancellation of a pair of high school baseball and softball games in Vermont. Blue Mountain Union High School and Oxbow High School gave up on Friday after a black bear cub refused to be shooed away, and then wandered into a dugout. Oxbow baseball coach Shawn French said that it was a historic first that sent the players and fans scurrying indoors.

Firefighters rescue baby birds from drain: For once, there’s a turkey giving

thanks.The Asheville fire department was called after some people noticed a frantic hen turkey. An investigation found eight baby turkeys stuck in a storm drain and calling for their mother. Firefighters discovered the drain cover was welded in place. They had to call for backup to get equipment to cut the cover off.

Oil company watches over pregnant polar bear: A pregnant polar bear seeking to dig her maternity den chose an unlikely spot: a snow drift along a bridgein Alaska. As a threatened species, polar bears are entitled to peaceful pregnancies and the operating oil company, Hilcorp Alaska LLC, took vigorous measures to make sure that happened.

Dhaka: Bangladesh police swooped down on the offices of the country’s main opposition leader Khaleda Zia, hunting for “anti-state documents” on Saturday, sparking angry protests by hundreds of supporters of her party. Officials smashed locks to enter the office of the two-time former Prime Minister in Dhaka, in what her Bangladesh National Party claimed was the latest politically motivated move against the country’s embattled opposition outfit as it prepares for the next general election. Police scoured the building for two hours but later said they “have not found any materials” in the search. AFP

Saibal Dasgupta

TNN

Beijing: Crude oil began flowing from Myanmar to China through the newly-built 1,420km-long pipeline, putting the relationship between the two countries on a stronger foundation with enhanced economic ties. The oil reached Ruili, a border city in China’s Yunnan province, at 4pm on Friday, according to state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation which built the pipeline. Oil will flow at 50km per day for a length of 650 kilometres before reaching a processing facility in the city of Anning in Yunnan. The facility has a processing capacity of 13 million tonnes per year. Despite differences that were sparked by Myanmar’s decision to stop work on a $3 billion China-funded hydroelectric project, Myanmar has been steadily coming closer to China since the new pro-democracy government led by state counsellor Aung San Suu

Oil storage tanks built by the China’s petroleum corporation on Myanmar’s Maday Island

Kyi took over. Suu Kyi recently participated in the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing which India had boycotted. Also, a Chinese naval fleet comprising three ships (Changchun, Jingzhou and Chaohu) recently visited Yangon. China is keen to enhance its access to the Bay of Bengal, and eventually the Indian Ocean, by boosting ties with Myanmar. Indian experts consider this a cause for worry.

Lahore: Pakistani lawyers gave a seven-day deadline to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday to resign on the Panama Papers scandal failing which they will launch a nationwide movement against him. The Supreme Court bar association and the Lahore high court bar association said the judgment in the Panama case had indicted Sharif and his children for financial improprieties and corruption and a joint investigation team had been formed to probe him. “For fair and independent inquiry, Nawaz Sharif should step down till the final report.” PTI

China killed 18 CIA men in 2 yrs, crushed spy ops NYT

Mark Mazzetti, Adam Goldman, Michael Schmidt & Matt Apuzzo

Washington: China systematically dismantled CIA spying operations in the country starting in 2010, killing or imprisoning more than a dozen sources and crippling US intelligence gathering. US officials described the intelligence breach as one of the worst in decades. Some sleuths were convinced of a mole within the CIA. Others believed that the Chinese had hacked the covert system the CIA used to communicate with its foreign sources. The Chinese

killed or imprisoned 18 to 20 of the CIA’s sources, according to the officials. One was shot in front of his colleagues in the courtyard of a government building. The number of US assets lost in China, officials said, rivaled those lost in the Soviet Union and Russia during the betrayals of Aldrich Ames and Robert Hanssen, formerly of CIA and FBI. This unreported episode shows how successful the Chinese were in disrupting American spying efforts and stealing secrets years before a wellpublicised breach in 2015 gave Beijing access to thousands of

government personnel records. The CIA considers spying in China one of its top priorities, but the country’s extensive security apparatus makes it hard for Western spy services to develop sources there. By early 2011, agency officers realised they had a problem: Assets in China were disappearing. The FBI and the CIA began analysing every operation being run in Beijing, codenamed Honey Badger, from a secret office in Northern Virginia as the Obama administration wondered why intelligence about the Chinese had slowed.

CHINESE CHECKERS: The Chinese killed or imprisoned 18 to 20 of the CIA’s sources from 2010 to 2012, in one of the worst intelligence breach in decades

Investigators started focusing on a Chinese-American who had left the CIA before the losses began. One official said the man had access to the identities of CIA sources and fit all the indicators on a matrix used to identify espionage threats. But efforts to gather proof to arrest him failed, and he is now living in another Asian country. By 2013, agencies concluded China’s success in identifying CIA agents had been blunted — but the damage had been done. Last year, an FBI staffer pleaded guilty to acting as a Chinese agent for years. NYT NEWS SERVICE

https://t.me/velarch TIMES SPORT

WE DID EVERYTHING WE COULD. WE DID NOT TAKE ANY SHORT CUTS. MUMBAI WAS THE BETTER SIDE. BUT IF YOU LOOK BACK AT THINGS, WE HAD TWO CRACKS AT THE TOP TWO. ONCE AGAINST KINGS XI, WE MESSED IT UP AND THEN AGAIN AGAINST MUMBAI INDIANS. THE BOYS WERE PROFESSIONAL THROUGHOUT.” .— Gautam Gambhir | KOLKATA CAPTAIN

SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA CHENNAI MAY 21, 2017

“WE ARE FULLY PREPARED AND WE WILL WIN THE FINAL. THAT IS FOR SURE. THE LOSSES TO PUNE ARE IN THE PAST. AGAINST KOLKATA, I HAD DIFFERENT PLANS FOR DIFFERENT BATSMEN. THAT’S WHAT I EXECUTED. T20 CRICKET IS ALL ABOUT MOMENTUM.” —Karn Sharma | MUMBAI

Mumbai, Pune Seek Final Hurrah

FACE-OFF

TIME TO HIT THE JACKPOT

HEAD TO HEAD

race for playoffs. They have already defeated Mumbai three times this season, including Qualifier 1 to ensure a smooth passage to the final with Washington quite the toast of Pune, and waited as Mumbai made the most of a second chance to get there. The city has experienced oppressive conditions this week, but the wicket at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium will be the same where the tournament opener was played and saw the two teams score 379 runs. That should be the soothing balm Mumbai need after the low-scoring encounters in Bangalore saw Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders fall by the wayside in Eliminator and Qualifier 2. Rohit Sharma and his men have won six consecutive matches after the seven-wicket defeat to Pune in their first fixture, lost another to Pune by three runs before winning four more games to top the table with 20 points. Jos Buttler joining the England camp in Spain has deprived Mumbai of their regular opener – he has opened with Parthiv Patel in their first 10 matches – but they’ve found an able replacement in Lendl Simmons and Saurabh Tiwary didn’t disappoint in the chance he got in Kolkata. Skipper Shar ma, Pandya brothers (Krunal’s fitness may be a cause of concern as he sought medical help on Friday night for what seemed like a groin strain) and Kieron Pollard have chipped in while their bowlers have filled in admirably. New Zealander Mitchell McClenaghan is No.3 in bowling charts with 19 sticks and Jasprit Bumrah, who according to Chris Jordan has the best yorker in business, has 18 to be No.5.

LOOKING FOR THE FINAL HURRAH: Both Pune (above) and Mumbai will be hoping the celebrations go their way

Teams & Scores

9-4-2016 Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai 121-8 (20) Pune 126-1 (14.4) 1-5-2016 Pune Mumbai Pune 159-5 (20) Mumbai 161-2 (18.3) 6-4-2017 Pune Pune Mumbai 184-8 (20) Pune 187-3 (19.5) 24-4-2017 Mumbai Mumbai Pune 160-6 (20) Mumbai 157-8 (20) 16-5-2017 Mumbai Mumbai Pune 162-4 (20) Mumbai 142-9 (20)

RPS

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RPS look unstoppable at the moment and as the head-to-head suggests, Steve Smith’s side will start clear favourites when they take on Mumbai Indians in the summit clash in Hyderabad. Pune will draw immense confidence from the fact that they have beaten Mumbai in all their previous three meetings this season, but MI will be buoyed by their performance against KKR on Friday.

JAYDEV UNADKAT

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Unadkat has emerged as Pune’s lead bowler, claiming 22 wickets in 11 matches at an impressive economy rate of 7.24 in IPL-10. The Saurashtra spearhead has shown a lot of promise over the past few years, but it’s only now that he has begun delivering, and the 25-year-old will be eager to destroy the Mumbai top-order in order to give Pune an edge in the all-important clash. However, he has to stay guarded against MI’s experienced batting lineup.

Leggie Karn justifies Mumbai’s faith [email protected]

Bengaluru: Leggie Karn Sharma’s Indian Premier League journey has been topsyturvy. A 13-match, 11-wicket effort in 2013 — his debut season — was followed by a rich reward as he became the most expensive domestic uncapped player the following year, with Hyderabad doling out Rs. 3.75 crore. He collected 15 wickets from 14 outings that season, but his IPL career went downhill thereafter, especially last season where he finished five matches without a wicket. But Mumbai Indians clearly believed in him. At Rs 3.2 crore he was their costliest buy of the season and he has served the team well, with 13 wickets from eight matches at an economy rate of 7.35. Four of those wickets have come at a crucial juncture, the Qualifier 2, in which Mumbai knocked out Kolkata Knight Riders with a dominant all-round show. Picked ahead of veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh, the 29-year-old Railways allrounder was keenly watched. Kolkata batsmen’s selection of shots was amateurish at best, and they played into the traps set by Rohit Sharma’s men. Cashing in on the weakness of the far-from-alert Kolkata batsmen, Karn bowled at the stumps, which helped him

13

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WATCH OUT FOR

Result/Man of the Match

Pune won by 9 Ajinkya Rahane (P) 66 not out off 42 balls wickets Mumbai won by 8 wickets/Rohit Sharma (M) 85 not out off 60 balls Pune won by 7 wickets/ Steven Smith (P) 84 not out off 54 balls Pune won by 3 runs/ Ben Stokes (P) 17 off 12 balls + 2/21 Pune won by 20 runs/ Washington Sundar (P) 3/16

V

Venue

60th MATCH

FORM GUIDE: LAST 5 GAMES

THE ODDS FAVOUR PUNE Date

8 PM MAX AND SIX

B’luru: Chinnaswamy Std

RC

Hyderabad: Ten years is a long time in sport, and such has been the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) appeal that it has built up quite a reputation to maintain. The game has evolved and novel methods have been employed. Lesserknown players like Washington Sundar and Rahul Tripathi have become household names. The 10th season culminates in the final between Rising Pune Supergiant and Mumbai Indians here on Sunday. Pune have staged a stunning comeback after finishing second last in the previous edition and the latter, two-time former champions, are gunning for another title after they failed to retain it in 2016. It’s one of those rain-drenched ironies that the defending champions, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s run ended in gloaming on Thursday, leaving the toppers of batting and bowling charts – David Warner and Bhuvneshwar Kumar – out of the fray. But the western derby here will still have its fair share of leading lights of IPL X, the absence of Ben Stokes and Imran Tahir notwithstanding. Pune skipper Steve Smith is fifth in the batting charts with 421 runs, and thanks to the efforts of Jaydev Unadkat (22) — who also got a hat-trick against Hyderabad — and Tahir (18), who are second and fourth in the bowling charts respectively, Pune have rallied brilliantly ever since they defended 161 for eight in Bangalore. That 27-run win over Royal Challengers Bangalore seemed to have effected a positive turnaround for Pune, who have been on a roll since April 16, winning eight of their next 10 games en route to finishing second in the

TV TIME

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PUNE

Catches taken by Mumbai’s Kieron Pollard in 16 matches, the most by a fielder in this IPL. Of the four fielders with 10 catches or more in this IPL, three are from Mumbai Indians — Pollard (13), Hardik Pandya (12) and Rohit Sharma (10). David Warner (Hyderabad) is the only other fielder to take 10 catches.

A

[email protected]

MUMBAI

— Rajesh Kumar

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Wickets required by Jaydev Unadkat (22 at an average of 13.77 in 11 matches in 2017) to become the first bowler to complete 25 wickets for Pune in the IPL.

claim three of the four wickets on the night. The Uttar Pradesh-born googly bowler said the start made all the difference after Kolkata were reduced to 3-25 in the first 32 balls. “T20 is all about momentum. We started well in the first six overs. It wasn’t like the Bangalore wicket of before and it worked for us. We bowled well from the

Shot selection completely depends on the batsman; if someone is good at something then they back themselves. Sometimes it pays off and sometimes it doesn’t. We didn’t bat well that’s why we managed to get just 107.” —Piyush Chawla,

KKR SPINNER

start and got wickets in the middle. That was important,” he pointed out. Karn hasn’t been a certainty in the lineup throughout the season. His first break came in the match against Rising Pune Supergiant on April 24 when he replaced an injured Krunal Pandya. “It is good for me because I just work hard when I’m not playing. When I get a chance, the main motive is to perform for the team. That’s more important for me.” Karn is confident that his team will leave Hyderabad with the trophy. “We are fully prepared and will win the final. The previous losses are in the past,” signed off a confident Karn.

THAT’S BEEN THE HALLMARK OF THIS TEAM — WE’VE NOT DEPENDED ON ONE INDIVIDUAL. IT’S ALL ABOUT TEAMWORK AND WE’VE BEEN DOING THAT REGULARLY. GOOD TO SEE WHEN INDIVIDUALS TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.” —Rohit Sharma I MUMBAI CAPTAIN

WEATHER REPORT Sunday is likely to remain bright and sunny, with weather stations predicting no showers in the evening.

HOW MUMBAI HAVE FARED IN IPL FINALS Year Venue Champions Runners- Victory Player of up margin the match

2010 Mum

2013

Kol

2015

Kol

Suresh Chennai Mumbai 22 Raina (C) (168-5) (146-9) runs 57 not out + 1/21 + 1 catch Kieron Pollard Mumbai Chennai 23 (148-9) (125-9) runs (M) 60 not out + 1/34 + 1 catch Rohit Sharma Mumbai Chennai 41 (202-5) (161-8) runs (M) 50 off 26 balls + 1 catch

Pune will miss Ben Stokes and Tahir Was fortunate to be in a brilliant team ON THE

SPOT

RAVI SHASTRI

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umbai Indians haven’t beaten Rising Pune Supergiant this season. Twice in the league stage and once in playoffs, they had to retreat in haste, repulsed from the gate by a brave Pune team. Destiny has given them another chance to make good the misses of season in one single night. The previous battles were not all lopsided. In the first, Steve Smith danced like a dervish in his crease and deposited balls into stands from unseemly angles. In another, Mahendra Singh Dhoni sum-

moned his prime for a couple of overs to shift the tide. There was always one individual who stamped his genius and outdid Mumbai. That’s the primal force which Mumbai will take on tonight. Mumbai would be thankful that at least two of Pune players --Ben Stokes and Imran Tahir-- will not the field on the grand evening. Stokes was worth every million spent on him. Be it with bat or ball, he always struck at the most dif-

ALL-ROUND

VIEW

JACQUES KALLIS

STOKES

TAHIR

ficult moment. Tahir struck whenever a stand began ballooning. The absence of these two will leave gaping holes which even Pune can’t pretend that it does not matter. Mumbai have shuffled key

slots in the past week. Ambati Rayudu and Mitchell Johnson straightaway come to mind. Then Lasith Malinga and Jaspreet Bumrah are proving so difficult to get away. Now that low scores are permeating at the fag end of a long season, their shining form can lift Mumbai team. The fans, of course, hope for a rousing battle. These are the gladiators who have slayed everyone in sight. There is no running away from the theatre. The world is watching. TCM

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he obvious disappointment of losing in the penultimate match of the tournament is tempered by the knowledge that we gave it our best shot and can hold our heads up high with pride. Once again great friendships and memories were made over the course of the last couple of months and they will be added to those of the previous nine years and cherished. We were outplayed on the night by Mumbai so congratulations to them. They were the most consistent team during

If we win, next IPL won’t have defending champ! COACH’S

CORNER STEPHEN FLEMING

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ver the years, the IPL has taught me an important lesson: the more relaxed you stay and the better you manage expectations, the greater your chances of success. So yes, the final will be a tough game but our preparations are the same as they have always been. We know there will be turning points — in a one-off game, anything can happen at any moment, which in itself is a huge challenge. However, practising more, getting more uptight, and doing

things differently is just not my style. So we’ve been very relaxed, just like in the semifinal where what really mattered was the opportunity — that was what we were most excited about. That’s the general mood in the camp right now, so we will have one training session on the eve of the game but that’s pretty much it. Right now, we’re committed to putting on our best performance,

with no thought of what might or might not happen next year. I’ve been asked a few times about what happens if we win and if there’s no Pune team next year. Will the next IPL then have no defending champion? I think that’s a nice discussion point, but only after the final! All I can say for now is that, if it is our last time in these colours, we want to make the occasion a memorable one.

You could also look at the final as a celebration of what this team has achieved so far, instead of a farewell. We’ve seen different heroes emerge in various crisis situations, and we would like to think we can win the final to bring this fantastic journey to a close. It has been satisfying to build this team up from scratch, taking on sides that have been working together for far longer than us, and what we have sometimes missed in terms of skill we have made up for by soaking up the pressure and not allowing ourselves to get bogged down. Don’t get me wrong — our team still has some of the world’s best players — but what I believe we have done well is an equitable utilisation of resources.

the regular season and nobody can doubt that they deserve to contest the final. I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by not only brilliant players but a support and management team second to none. I certainly couldn’t do this job without them. First and foremost, another huge ‘thank you’ to SRK and Jay, our owners, and to Venky, the CEO. We really are so lucky to have owners like them that go above and beyond

the normal call of duty to look after us so well. To my coaching staff Simon, Balaji and Biju — thanks for all the help guys, and the time and effort you always put in to every training and strategy session. You set a great example as role models. The medical staff, so often the forgotten and unmentioned heroes. The players couldn’t do their jobs without you so to Adrian (also my golf partner!), Andrew and Kamlesh – thanks

BCCI TO OFFER PERCENTAGE HIKE TO PLAYERS? New Delhi: BCCI sources indicated on Saturday that the board will have to take into account “notional profit and loss” before determining the revised compensation for the national cricketers, reports Indranil Basu. Indian captain Virat Kohli is meeting the Committee of Administrators (CoA) on Sunday to discuss the issue. Sources said BCCI is not looking at a fixed amount to be compensated to the cricketers straight away. It intends to work out a percentage after exhaustive calculations and then take a call whether to continue with the existing system of doling out 26 per cent from BCCI’s revenues (gross earning from such sources like sale of sponsorship rights, media rights, receipt of tour guarantees among others) to the cricketers or not. If BCCI’s gross earning increases, the share of the cricketers automatically goes up. However, the Indian cricketers have termed the 26 per cent payment distribution system unscientific and want a bigger share in the pie. The CoA cannot give 100 per cent assurance to the players right away. The board will need to account for the numbers of liabilities like paying penalties and compensating the aggrieved stakeholders with whom BCCI has been entangled in legal battles.

for keeping the boys fit. Sometimes it was hard to believe how you managed to fix guys up so quickly and get them back on the park. And speaking of unsung heroes – the logistical staff who book the flights, arrange ground travel, organise deliveries of kit from dozens of different people — you think of so many small but important details which allows the players to focus on the game. To Gauti and the players. You played some outstanding cricket this year. Sure, we got a few things wrong but we got a lot more right than wrong. We won more than we lost and we entertained. We were fortunate to have so many talented and exciting cricketers among us. GAMEPLAN / HAWKEYE

ACTION TODAY NATIONAL CRICKET: IPL: Pune vs Mumbai, final, 8 pm (Live on Sony Six/ESPN) FOOTBALL: Federation Cup: Bagan vs Bengaluru FC, final, 7 pm (Live on Ten 2)

INTERNATIONAL BASKETBALL: NBA Playoff: Cleveland vs Boston, EC Finals -- Game 3, 5.30 am (Live on Sony Six) GOLF: European Tour: Rocco Forte Open, 2.30 pm (Live on Ten GolfHD) FOOTBALL: EPL: Chelsea vs Sunderland, Arsenal vs Everton, Watford v Manchester City, Liverpool vs Middlesbrough, Manchester United vs Crystal Palace, 7.30 pm (Live on SS HD1/2/4, SS Select HD1/2); La Liga: Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao, 8.30 pm; Barcelona vs Eibar, Malaga vs Real Madrid, 11.30 pm (Live on Ten 1, 1HD & 2) TENNIS: ATP Tour: Rome Masters, 7.30 pm (Live on Ten 3)

https://t.me/velarch SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI MAY 21, 2017

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LAST CARD

Getty Images

SHORT PASSES

NEW FORCE: Isco (centre) has been the young fulcrum of Real Madrid’s season

$1.3 BILLION ARSENAL BID REJECTED ENRIQUE TO RETURN AS FAN Luis Enrique promised to return to the Camp Nou as a fan next season as he prepares to take charge of Barcelona for the final time at home on Sunday against Eibar. However, he claimed to have been “privileged” to have been in the role for three seasons. “It will be a special night for me,” Enrique said on Saturday. “When I accepted the job I knew it would be shortlived. Barca’s history is full of moments like this. I am very proud to have formed part of that history. Next season I will be at the Camp Nou for many games as a fan. It is not a goodbye, but a see you later.”

One Point From Title, Real Madrid Face Michel’s Malaga

to play. As an attacking midfielder, Michel helped Madrid win six Liga titles and he later returned as Madrid’s reserve team coach. His name consistently comes up as a potential future manager of Madrid. Despite Malaga’s recent form, some diehard Barcelona fans have concerns that Michel may not field his best side or push his players enough to beat his former club with the title on the line. Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said he believed “100 percent in the professionalism of all coaches and players.’’ Barcelona host Eibar and must win to have any chance of the title. “If we get lucky, fantastic. We will celebrate it,’’ Luis Enrique said. AP

GUARDIOLA HOPES TO SEAL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOT

The New Zealand women’s hockey team continued to produce rich vein of form as they hammered India 6-2 in the final Test to complete a five-match series in Hamilton on Saturday.

Bhullar two off the lead: Gaganjeet Bhullar (67) was two shots behind overnight co-leader Thai Rattanon Wannasrichan (65) after the penultimate round of the $300,000 Thailand Open in Bangkok on Saturday. Bhullar, who shared the lead with the Thai after 36 holes, shot four-under.

Aditi misses cut: India’s Aditi Ashok shot an uncharacteristic six-over 77 in the second round to miss the cut at the Kingsmill Championship at Williamsburg in Virginia (USA) on Friday. The 19-year-old took her two-day total to five-over 147, missing her first cut on the LPGA Tour. The cut came at an even-par 142. Meanwhile, Lexi Thompson shot a second straight six-under 65 to open up a three-shot lead. Harikrishna holds Tomashevsky: Putting behind the disappointment a loss in the last game, Indian Grandmaster Pentala Harikrishna bounced back with a draw against Russian GM Evgeny Tomashevsky in the seventh round of the FIDE Moscow Grand Prix.

More than 100 defective Rio medals returned: More than 100 medals won at the Rio Olympics have been returned to organisers because they have rusted or developed black spots on them, the games' spokesman said on Friday.

TNCA open trials on May 27: The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association will conduct open trials to select players for the under-23 (born on or after 1.9.94) state women’s team and senior women’s camp at MA Chidambaram Stadium (B nets) on May 27 at 6:30 am.

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Real Madrid have all they can ask for with just one La Liga game of the season to go and that is the destiny of the title in their own hands, coach Zinedine Zidane said on Saturday. “It is in our hands which is important for us,” said Zidane. “There is just one game to go and we have

Arsenal need to be consistent: Ozil

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tant to us. Arsenal belong with the best clubs in the world. What about as a player? I think it’s the same for all players. As a player, the UCL means you can test yourself against the best. But it’s not just about players. For our fans, UCL nights can be special. That’s why it is so important to us. You’ve been at Arsenal for four years and always played in the UCL, will it feel strange to miss out? It’s still our goal to be there, it’s not over yet. The fans deserve to be there and we have to work very hard to have a chance. What will happen if Arsenal don’t make it? There is talk of you thinking about moving on because you haven’t signed a new contract yet?

esut Ozil has had one of his best seasons for Arsenal, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists, but still the Gunners go into the final game of the season not knowi n g wh e t h e r they can qualify for Champions League next season. Ozil speaks about the season and what lies ahead. Excerpts Arsenal do have a chance still to finish in the top four and reach the UCL. How much would that mean to you? A lot. Of course qualifying for the UCL is really impor-

I’m not thinking about it now. The qualification for the UCL is top priority. Only then we will get together and talk about my future. But you enjoy it at Arsenal still? Of course, I’ve been here four years now and I feel at home. Everything about the club is fantastic. But it’s not about me right now — it’s about how we do as a team. We’ve got aims — we want to get into that top four and

that’s all that counts. The good news is that Arsenal are on form after a late charge — so at least you go into the Everton game believing you can win? We’ve done well and of course winning games makes a difference. There is more energy around the place, more people are laughing and there are more positive vibes. Did the win over Manchester United help, too ? It always helps to beat a big

It’s a dream ending for me: Terry

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NZ humiliate India again

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ohn Terry is ready to bid an emotional farewell to Chelsea after 19 years at Stamford Bridge — and he'll be doing it by lifting the Premier League trophy. The Blues captain will move on at the end of the season and admits he will struggle to hold back tears when his beloved Chelsea face Sunderland on the final day of this campaign. With an FA Cup Final against Arsenal to follow at Wembley a week later, he couldn’t have wished for a better way to say goodbye. Excerpts from an interview...

First of all, John, what has it been like to see Chelsea crowned champions this season, the fifth championship win of your career here!

This will be your last game

as a Chelsea player at Stamford Bridge but there's also an FA Cup Final to look forward to as well so it's been quite some season! It has. It's the dream end-

It’s been amazing, just an unbelievable feeling — and to be honest it just gets better and better! I'm so proud of the team and the management because so much hard work went into it and a lot of people have made sacrifices to get us

Capo De Capi for Bangalore feature TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai: Irfan Ghatala-trained Capo De Capi is fancied to clinch the Karnataka Juvenile Million(Grade-2), an attractive event of the races to be held in Bangalore on Sunday. Selections: 1) The Romantic Dancer Plate(Div-2), (1200M),Rated(15 to 35). 1-30pm. 1. Mayweather. 2. Star Line. 3. Shivalik Honour. 2) The Ministerial Trophy(Div-2),(1200M),For Maiden 3yrs.old only. 2-00pm. 1. Alberetta. 2. Majuro. 3. Casey. 3) The Poonawalla Stud Plate(Div-2),(1400M),Rated(30 to 50). 2-30pm. 1. Manifold. 2. Tootsie Roll. 3. Streak Ahead. 4) The Romantic Dancer Plate(Div-1), (1200M),Rated(15 to 35). 3-00pm. 1. Royal Serenity. 2. Juneau. 3. Flotus. 5) The Dharmaprakasha L.S.Venkajirao Memorial Cup(1400M), Rated(45 to 65),4yrs.old&over. 3-30pm. 1. Thomas More. 2. Michaela. 3. Fabulous Touch. 6) The Karnataka Juvenile Million(Grade-2),(1400M),For 3yrs.old only. 400pm. 1. Capo De Capi. 2. Mauritania. 3. Tutankhamun. 7) The Ministerial Trophy(Div-1),(1200M),For Maiden 3yrs.old only. 4-30pm. 1. Malana. 2. Goshawk. 3. Apalachee. 8) The Amazing Grace Plate (1400M),Rated(00 to 20),4yrs.old&over. 5-00pm. 1. Simple Sum. 2. Wonder Woman. 3. Jack Of Hearts. 9) The Poonawalla Stud Plate(Div-1), (1400M),Rated(30 to 50). 5-30pm. 1. Alaina. 2. Themis. 3. Sana. Day’s Best: Capo De Capi; Good Double: Manifold-Royal Serenity; Upsetters: Honour-Reverberating. Jackpot: 5,6,7,8 & 9; Mini Jackpot: 6,7,8 & 9; 1st Treble:1,2 & 3; 2nd Treble: 4,5 & 6; 3rd Treble: 7,8 & 9; Tanala: All Races.

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ohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC did play in what many dubbed as a ‘dress rehearsal’ of the Federation Cup final in an AFC Cup match the other day in Kolkata. Understandably, a lot many were rested and it would be foolish to go by the result of that match simply because the Fed Cup final, like any other final, will be an entirely different ball game. There’s however, no denying that Bagan have so far looked the hungrier of the two sides in the tournament. The manner in which they demolished their opponents and took it match by match shows the quality in their side. They look desperate to make amends for the ILeague title which they missed out on. Most importantly Bengaluru FC will be missing their talismanic and inspirational captain Sunil Chhetri. Sunil has always been a vital cog in the wheel for his team, especially upfront. It can create a

BRAZIL RECALL LUIZ FOR TWO FRIENDLIES Brazil coach Tite on Friday recalled Chelsea defender David Luiz to his squad for two upcoming friendlies despite his team having secured nine wins in nine games without him. Brazil have two upcoming friendlies in Melbourne against Argentina and Australia June 9 and 13.

ICARDI IN, AGUERO OUT FOR ARGENTINA Lionel Messi will lead Argentina’s attack against arch-rivals Brazil next month but there was no place in the squad for Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero. Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi replaces Aguero in a squad believed to have been chosen by Jorge Sampaoli, the Sevilla coach who is poised to take over Argentina in a bid to rescue their World Cup hopes.

FASTEST HAT-TRICK SCORER ROSS DIES Tommy Ross scorer of the fastest hat-trick in football has died aged 71 the football club whom he managed in the 1990’s Tain St Duthus announced on Friday. Ross entered the record books aged 18 when he scored three times in 90 seconds playing for Ross County against Nairn County on November 24, 1964.

LAHM SIGNS OFF A WINNER

Not at all. If I could have written my own story when I was a 14-year-old signing for Chelsea, this would have been it! It's the stuff of dreams.

How does this title win compare to previous ones? Can it match the first one under Jose Mourinho for instance? I think over the years with the Premier League getting tougher and the money coming in and the players are getting better and better year after year, you have to say yes. But the first one in 2004-5- no one can ever take that away. The first one in 50 years as a club and what it meant for the club. TCM

Bagan hungrier than BFC Bhaichung Bhutia

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Jose Mourinho has praised Paul Pogba for his response to his father’s death as he prepares to recall him for Manchester United’s final Premier League game of the campaign. “Paul Pogba is fine,” Mourinho said. “A strong guy, strong mentality. He’s learning how to live after his father passed away, but he is strong.”

You have been at Chelsea since your young teens, could you have ever imagined it would turn out this way?

HIGH & BYE: Terry has been Chelsea’s pillar of strength for 19 years

here. For me personally, I can't tell you important it was to have a chance to celebrate a Premier League title at the end of my last season at Chelsea. Very special.

team. The confidence is there now and we just need to continue with that and carry it on. Why haven’t Arsenal been able to challenge for top spot? It’s my fourth year at Arsenal and it’s been the case that we have played well in the first half of the season or the second half. To win titles you need to give your best performances through the whole season. That’s our challenge. Adding to that, we have had important players injured and maybe some bad luck along the way. What we could bring a bit more of is self-confidence and a bit more consistency. We have lost confidence when we lose one game and that is something we need to work on.

JOSE BACKS POGBA TO COPE WITH FATHER’S DEATH

ing for me. If we can win the FA Cup as well it could turn out to be one of the greatest seasons in the club’s history. What a way to go out!

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worked very hard to get to where we want to be. “We deserve to be in the position we are just now.” He hailed the contribution of every player in his squad. “Watching what they do on the pitch, this squad is spectacular. They are all very good. That has been the key, that they are all important.”

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EPL: HOW THEY STAND

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TITLE IS OURS TO LOSE: ZIDANE

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Watford: One point at Watford on Sunday will make certain of Manchester City’s place in next season’s Champions League, while a victory will take them into the group stages without the need for a playoff. Securing GP W D L GF GA Pts qualification Chelsea(C) 37 29 3 5 80 32 90 would ensure Tottenham 36 24 8 4 73 24 80 finishing the an upbeat end to a Man City 37 22 9 6 75 39 75 season that has Liverpool 37 21 10 6 75 42 73 been littered Arsenal 37 22 6 9 74 43 72 with frustrations for Pep Man United 37 17 15 5 52 29 66 Guardiola. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager arrived in Manchester last July with a record of 21 trophies in seven years as a coach, and was widely expected to continue that record of success in England. Instead, he has ended the campaign with no trophies, and even if his team win at Vicarage Road to secure third place, it will still represent the lowest league finish of his managerial career.

LA LIGA HOW THEY STAND

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Barcelona: Real Madrid enter the final round of the Spanish league season just one point away from ending a five-year wait to reclaim the domestic crown. Standing in their way is a Malaga side that has found its stride under former Real Madrid player Michel Gonzalez. Real Madrid, who visit Malaga on Sunday in the last round, are three points ahead of Barcelona. But Madrid must take at least a draw at La Rosaleda Stadium as Barcelona hold the head-to-head tiebreaker if both teams end up with the same number of points. Real Madrid have 90 points, and Barcelona 87. “It’s going to be a difficult match against a rival that is playing phenomenally,’’ Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said Saturday. “We haven’t won it yet. We have one game left and we will try to give it our all to win tomorrow. We are very motivated and won’t quit until the last minute.’’ That point may be harder to come by than many Madrid fans would like as Malaga has proven to be a tough place to visit since Michel’s arrival. Michel took charge in March with Malaga trying to avoid a relegation fight. After a settling-in period, he has led Malaga to six wins in its last eight matches. That run includes victories in their last four home matches over Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla and Celta Vigo. Striker Sandro Ramirez has scored 14 goals for Malaga this season, with seven coming during Malaga’s late-season surge. Ignacio Camacho, a physical midfielder, holds the center, while Carlos Kameni is hard to beat in goal. However, Malaga will be without defender Diego Llorente, who is on loan from Madrid and not allowed

Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has had a $1.3 billion bid to take full control of Arsenal rejected by owner Stan Kroenke, a person familiar with the offer said on Friday. Usmanov remains interested in buying out Kroenke’s 67-per cent majority stake in a deal valuing the club at $2 billion, the person told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the club’s financial matters.

huge impact; Sunil after all has always been a big match player. I see the final to be a very tactical game. Bengaluru FC will try to keep it as tight as possible. Bagan’s attacking prowess is a nightmare for any team in Indian football and BFC would aim to frustrate and disrupt their momentum. Unless you are able to contain and keep silent Sony Norde and Co, you are bound to invite trouble. I feel BFC will play the waiting game and try to hit Bagan on the counter. Despite Sunil’s absence, they have some match-winners who can turn tables around and Udanta Singh and CK Vineeth can play a huge role for BFC with their speed and guile. Bagan’s theory will be simple — attack, attack and attack. That’s what they have done all the season and the three musketeers — Sony, Darryl Duffy and Katsumi are simply deadly. Add to that Balwant has been a revelation forcing Jeje Lalpekhlua to the bench. It’s better to sit back, watch and enjoy. TCM

Philip Lahm is showered with beer as a part of Bayern Munich’s customary celebration after winning the Bundesliga on Saturday. Lahm, along with Xabi Alonso (not in pic) retired from the game after Saturday’s match against SC Freiburg. The Bavarian side signed off the campaign with 4-1 win

India face tough test Manne.Ratnakar @timesgroup.com

Hyderabad: Indian shuttlers need to punch above their weight to make a mark at the Sudirman Cup mixed team championship which gets underway in Gold Coast, Australia on Sunday. Ranked ninth, the team led by PV Sindhu is clubbed with Indonesia and Denmark in Group 1D. Just one victory in the group stage is enough for them to advance to quarterfinals.

SUDIRMAN CUP The championship has been a tough proposition for India as they have made the knockout stage only once in 2011. Though the Indian team is buoyant about their chances it is difficult to seem them beyond group stage. The five-match rubber comprises men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed doubles ties and a team has to win three of these five ties. India face formidable Denmark on Monday and Indonesia on Tuesday. While it is difficult to beat Denmark, India are fancying their chances against Indonesia.

India’s ‘historic’ win against 3rd-tier side Marcus.Mergulhao @timesgroup.com

Panaji: It was a win that was not. The India under-17 football World Cup team’s ‘historic’ victory over Italy has been overshadowed by claims that the European football giants did not field their national team in a friendly in Arezzo on Friday.

VICTORY OVER ITALY U-17 In fact, according to those in the know, the team India faced as part of their preparations for the Fifa under-17 World Cup later this year at home, comprised of players from clubs who ply their trade in Lega Pro or the third-tier of Italian football. The All India Football Federation (AIFF), which claimed the victory was historic, said it were surprised that an accusing finger was now being pointed at them. “All along, it is the Italian football federation who communicated with us and also approved the team which was fielded on Friday. The team played with the Italian national team jerseys and there is nothing on record to suggest that this was not the national team. “If Italy chose to field a

team which is supposedly not its main team, how are we to blame? There is no doubt that the team represented Italy,” a AIFF official told TOI on Saturday. According to article 4 para 4 of the Fifa Regulations Governing International Matches, any member association on whose territory a Tier 2 international match (any match apart from the senior team) is to be played must obtain prior authorization from the confederation to which it is affiliated. The Italian football federation (FIGC) faxed the tier 2 form to the AIFF and asked them to seek approval from the Asian Football Confederation. FIGC did the same with the European governing body, UEFA. “We prepared for the Italian national team. We got our flights changed as well so that we would be better-prepared. Earlier, we were scheduled to fly from Paris to Rome a day prior to the match but Arezzo is about four hours by road from Rome and the coach felt the boys would be too tired to play the next day. We changed our travel plan and landed at an airport just an hour away,” said the official. India will play another friendly in Italy on Tuesday.

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SUNDAY TIMES OF INDIA, CHENNAI MAY 21, 2017

TIMES SPORT

‘Smith, Dhoni combined well’ Pune Team Owner Goenka Feels Numerology Has Worked For The Team In This Year’s IPL

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Volume 10, Issue 20 Regn No. TNENG/2008/26392 Published by S Santhanagopal on behalf of Bennett Coleman & Co Ltd, 140 Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chemmenchery, Chennai 600119 and printed by him at The Times of India Press, 140 Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chemmenchery, Chennai 600119 Editor (Chennai Market): Arun Ram - Responsible for selection of news under PRB Act. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the Publisher is prohibited. Tel. Nos. Chennai (044) 40401234, Fax: (044) 24335511E-Mail: [email protected]

TIMES NEWS NETWORK Mumbai: In what came across as a surprise for prospective bidders looking forward to the Indian Premier League (IPL) media rights tender, the governing council of the league announced that the tender for the next rights period will commence on July 17 this year. The industry in general was expecting the tender to be floated soon – weeks if not days – after the conclusion of the 10th edition of IPL with the final on May 21. Sources in the BCCI, nevertheless, had hinted at the possibility of bringing out the tender after the International Cricket Council (ICC) board meeting to be held between June 19 and 23 However, the IPL governing council took the following decisions on Saturday after a meeting. 1. The IPL Title Sponsorship Invitation to Tender will start on May 31st, 2017; 2. The Request for Proposal (RFP) for IPL Event Services contract will be floated on June 12th, 2017; 3. The IPL Media Rights Invitation to Tender on the next rights period will commence on July 17th, 2017. The GC confirmed that all the three above-mentioned processes shall be for the next five years cycle, as was reported by TOI last month. Sources in the know of things said “the idea is not to allow the two tenders – title rights and media rights – to clash. The IPL GC has decided to bring out the title rights tender on May 31and it will have a 30-day window for the bids to be submitted. That’s a possible reason why the media rights tender has been delayed.

Rome: Alexander “Sascha” Zverev became the youngest Masters Series finalist in 10 years when he beat American veteran John Isner 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-1 at the Italian Open on Saturday. Zverev, at 20, was the youngest on the ATP Tour since Novak Djokovic won Miami in 2007 at the age of 19. Zverev could meet Djokovic in the Rome final if the four-time champion gets past Dominic Thiem in the late semifinal. With tennis greats Rod Laver and Manolo Santana looking on at the Foro Italico, Zverev showed off an all-court game that has prompted many experts to predict he’ll reach No. 1 someday. Zverev won most of the longer rallies, displayed a well-disguised drop shot, made precise volleys and even served bigger than Isner, who is usually one of the best servers on tour. In the opening set, Zverev won 20 of his 22 points on serve to Isner’s 19 of 29, and over the course of the match he struck more aces: 12 to 8. After dropping a tight second set in which neither player dropped serve, Zverev responded by breaking at the first opportunity in the third. Earlier, Djokovic picked up right where he left off in a rain-delayed quarterfinal against former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro, closing out a 6-1, 6-4 victory.

Halep sets final clash with Svitolina: Romania’s Simona Halep made light of heavy conditions to cruise into the Italian Open final with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Dutch 15th seed Kiki Bertens on Satur-

Alexander Zverev returns to John Isner in Rome on Saturday

day.The sixth seed, a winner in Madrid last weekend for the second year in a row, will face 11th-ranked Elina Svitolina of Ukraine for the trophy after French Open champion Garbine Muguruza retired due to an apparent injury after only 20 minutes. Svitolina led 4-1.

Bopanna, Sania ousted: Rohan Bopanna made a quarterfinal exit from the ATP Rome Masters while Sania Mirza exited from the WTA event, being run simultaneously, following a semifinal defeat. Bopanna and his partner Pablo Cuevas fought tooth and nail against fourth seeds Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut but eventually lost 6-7(5), 7-6 (2), 10-12 in the quarterfinals of the Euro 4,507,375 clay court event. Meanwhile, in the WTA event, third seeds Sania Mirza and Yaroslava Shvedova lost 3-6, 6-7(7) to second seeds Yung-Jan Chan and Martina Hingis in the semfinals of the $3,076,495 red clay event. Agencies. AGENCIES

Banned coach Jiwanjot makes golden return [email protected]

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am so delighted that I am finally in India. I was scheduled to run the Delhi half marathon last year, however, a back lower back injury forced me to skip the event. Post my back injury, I started running in February this year and have spent the last few months, training in warm conditions and checking the weather multiple times in anticipation of today’s run. I’m also an example of how genes don’t make the runner. I started running in high school, at home in New Zealand, with my twin brother. We were a little bit of misfits among the other students; we had a passion for something that was not part of their agenda. However, the first year in high-school, we joined our first running club and within the first year, we were already national champions. Our passion grew for the sport

and, my brother, Jake and I made the cross country team at 16 for the under 20s. That took us to Japan where we met the Kenyans and started to bond with them which then resulted in us moving to Kenya to train with the best runners in the world and that helped us a lot. The writer is a New Zealand national record holder in 10,000 metres

Chennai: After sealing their berths on Friday in the Asian Juniors, to be held in Ansan (Korea) from June 29 to July 4, the Indian paddlers continued their form on the second day to complete a golden sweep of team medals in the South Asian Junior Table Tennis Championships at Mount Lavinia (Sri Lanka) on SaturSTAR TURN: day. Moumita In junior boys, the Indians first beat Pakistan 3-0 and followed it up with another identical win over hosts Sri Lanka to complete their group engagement and claim the gold. The Manav Thakkar-led combination with Manush Shah and Parth Virmani made it a formality against Fahad Khawaja, Obaid Shah and Basit Khan and then repeated it against Sri Lanka’s KDVMadhushan, PD Umesh Thennakoon and Nimesh Ranchagoda for the sweep. In junior girls, India and Sri Lanka had completed the four-team group events on Friday itself, winning gold and silver, respectively, and qualify for the event in Korea. Archana Kamath, Moumita Dutta and Priyanka Pareek did the star turn in the junior section. Manush Shah won 11-7, 11-6, 11-9 against Madhushan but Manav dropped a game against Umesh before overpowering him 11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 11-4. Later, Parth completed the task with a 9-11, 11-4, 14-12, 11-8 win over Nimesh in a tough third rubber. TNN

IPL media rights tender to be floated on July 17

Kolkata: India returned with one gold from the World Cup Stage I event in Shanghai, China, when the men’s compound team defeated Colombia 226-221 on Saturday morning. The fourth-seeded Indian side of Abhishek Verma, Raju Chinna Srither and debutant Amanjeet Singh proved far too superior against 10th-seeded Colombia’s Camilo Cardona, Daniel Munoz and Jose Carlos Ospina in a one-sided final.

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et and the franchise did not allow anything whatsoever to come in between, including the chatter involving Steven Smith, MS Dhoni and the replacement of the skipper. “I would be foolish to say that I wasn’t aware about what was happening (replacing Dhoni with Smith as captain). First of all, let me

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MAN FOR ALL SEASONS: MS Dhoni’s commitment was praised by the team owner

year. For instance, shifting from Pune to Vizag was one. We played close to 50% of our home matches in Vizag. Our performance last year was another disappointment. So, keeping all that in mind, 2017 has been fabulous,” he says. Goenka says that the focus this year had been thoroughly on crick-

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Mumbai: Sanjiv Goenka, chairman of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group with interests in power, retail, music and sports among other things, doesn’t believe in worrying about matters that are beyond his control. For instance, it’s beyond his control right now to suggest whether he’d like to continue as a stakeholder in the Indian Premier League (IPL) going forward. “Time will tell,” he says. However, the Kolkata-based businessman did manage to accomplish all that he could with things that were within his control and is now enjoying the prospect of Rising Pune Supergiant winning the 10th edition of the tournament. “I think all in all, we’ve achieved

what we wanted to achieve. This year has been so much better for us but when I say ‘we achieved what we wanted to’, I mean beyond just sport,” Goenka told TOI in a chat that involved his team’s newfound success, the whole talk surrounding MS Dhoni, his plans to stay connected with IPL after this two-year window and removing the ‘S’ from Rising Pune Supergiants. “Numerology,” he says, when asked why the ‘S’ had to be removed. “I’m not a strong believer in this. An astrologer actually told me ‘remove the S and it’ll be good’. I told myself, ‘I don’t believe in this’. But we were not doing well, so I said, alright, let’s try this too. Remove the ‘S’ and let’s see what happens,” Goenka added. Whether stars did align or not, RPS are in the final of a tournament in what is their second and last season and a win or loss in the final notwithstanding, the owner is happy with the experience. “You see, there were some disappointments last

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clarify, MS wasn’t removed as skipper. He was captain for one season but we had just one year and we wanted to try out different things. The whole idea was to not allow the focus to shift and that’s how we’ve kept it. Smith and MS have combined extremely well. His strategies on the field have been hugely impactful,” says the team owner. That aside, Goenka is also very clear about what he thinks of Dhoni – not just the cricketer but the person off the field. “When you make any decision regarding a franchise, you don’t make on the basis of whether it will or it will not become a talking point. MS is an institution. “He’s a legend. Each and every interaction I’ve had with him over the last two years, I’ve only walked out with respect. He’s one of the sharpest minds I’ve interacted with,” says Goenka. Considering IPL 2017 will be Rising Pune Supergiant’s last year under the present contract, Goenka will certainly want to look at other avenues to continue his stint with the tournament. However, for now, he’s not ready to divulge his plans yet.

Zverev makes first Masters series final

Amanjeet (from left), Raju Chinna and Abhishek after their win on Saturday

However, apart from the trio, the man who should also be credited for this success is their coach Ji-

wanjot Singh Teja too. In a way it was also a great comeback for him too who was banned by the Archery Association of India (AAI) for one year after the Indian team failed to turn up for their bronze medal play-off match against Italy at the World University Games at Gwangju in South Korea, thereby forfeiting the match in July 2015. Jiwanjot, a coach of that side, was at the centre of the controversy as Association of Indian Universities (AIU), taking a serious view of the incident, had banned

the archers and their coach for three years. The AAI too followed suit and barred foreign coach Lim Chae Chong and Jiwanjot for one year from accompanying the team to international events after conducting an internal inquiry into the matter. India began with 58-57 lead in the first end and then stretched the lead to three points (116-113) by winning the second end 58-56. However, they faltered in the third as scored were tied 52-all, but that was not enough for Colombia to upset them.