The City Standard 4th March,2019- 6th issue

PRAYAGRAJ

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White shirt, blue blazer, grey pants and a smile : Abhinandan is back home

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Devil quoting scripture RAJEEV RANJAN MISHRA PRAYAGRAJ

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If the aim of all action in war is to disarm the enemy, will it be possible to do so? Particularly, when the enemy is continuously waging a war against us, day in and day out? That those waging a war from the media rooms and the social media warriors do not lose lives is a fact. They are safe and will remain safe while the real soldiers give up their lives on the borders.

There are voices in the country today demanding peace and calling for 'Imran Khan like statesmanship' conveniently ignoring the fact that the same Imran Khan is the presiding deity of the evil forces in Pakistan.

Not only that he did not own up the attack on Pulwama, but also denied Pakistan's hand in it or even any knowledge in it.

Let us get stable a bit and review the situation.

Those advising restraint on part of India today should answer this first: Mumbai, Pathankot, Uri, Pulwama… Who started it all? Since 1947, who is waging a war against India? India is only responding in kind today to protect itself and its people's lives.

India is by means an aggressor. India has every right to defend itself. Of course, war and politics are inalienable. For that matter, war is just an extension of politics.

Pakistan's politics are irrevocably linked to terror and it is not treated as war when waged against India, but only as Jihad.

Taking our Jihadi forces is not war by any yardstick,

and it is not even politics.

It is a matter of survival.

Do we want to be statesmen and get killed in their hands or shall we become ordinary mortals and save ourselves? That is the real question here.

It is all very simple. If our opponent is to be made to comply with our will, we must place him in a situation which is more oppressive to him than the sacrifice which we demand.

However, there will be disadvantages of this position as there is a chance that the opponent could only get worse.

If, therefore, the enemy is to be reduced to submission by an act of war, he must either be positively disarmed or placed in such a position that he is threatened with it. From this, it follows that the disarming or overthrow of the enemy, whichever we call it, must always be the aim of warfare. Imran Khan's statesmanlike view teaches him that wars will not be beneficial to any party.

While it is true to say so, it should also be noted that it applies to conventional wars alone. The unconventional war that countries like Pakistan wage and countries like China bless, are different. They benefit the perpetrators and not the victims.

There is nothing glorious about victimhood and India need not be blessed with such a state of mind despite some intellectuals and liberals pronouncing it as a glorious State. But as said earlier, war is all about politics too.

Pakistan needs to be taught an unforgettable lesson. Let us not crib over it. Shunning war is good. But, can Pakistan shun terror? Look who is preaching peace to us!

Balakot strike: Radar photos confirm four Jaish buildings were hit

Hours after air strike, Army tweets poem on being powerful ^{kek'khy gks fjiq&le{k rqe gq, fouhr ftruk gh] nq"V dkSjoksa us rqedks dk;j le>k mruk ghA lp iN w ks] rks 'kj esa gh clrh gS nhfIr fou; dh] lfU/k&opu lia Tw ; mlh dk ftlesa 'kfä fot; dhA

A Pakistani soldier stands guard in the area where Indian jets strike in Jaba near Balakot, in Pakistan.

NEW DELHI Indian defence officials said on Friday that synthetic aperture radar (SAR) photos show that the Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) training camp in Balakot was hit during the February 26 airstrikes by the IAF. The sources confirmed that four buildings of the intended target were hit by Spice-2000 precision-guided bombs fired from India's Mirage-2000 fighters. However, officials said it was impossible to estimate the number of casualties owing to the limitations of technical intelligence and the absence of ground intelligence. The officials

also reiterated that the satellite images clearly show craters caused by bombs were visible in open areas.

"The SAR films clearly show before and after pictures of the intended targets being hit. It's up to the government whether it wants to release the images or not. Pakistan, of course, has also worked swiftly to repair the damage site," an official said. The foreign secretary on February 26 said the "nonmilitary pre-emptive attack" targeted "a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis, who were being trained for fidayeen action, were eliminated".

Hours after the Indian Air Force hit terror camps inside Pakistan, the Army Tuesday tweeted a Hindi poem which says that "if you are docile and polite before the enemy, he may consider you as a coward, the way Kauravas treated Pandavas".

The poem by Hindi poet Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar' was tweeted by Additional Director General, Public Information on its official handle. Peace overtures, the poem says, is possible only when you are in a powerful position and capable to win.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offering prayer after taking holy dip at TriveniSangam, Prayagraj.

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PM defines New India's stand on terrorism, hails Abhinandan NEW DELHI Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday defined India's new strategy against cross-border terrorism"return the damage done by the terrorist with interest" -as he hailed Abhinandan Varthaman, the Indian Air Force Wing Commander who returned to India after two days in Pakistani custody. Varthaman, 38, crossed into India via the AttariWagah border and was whisked away by Indian Air Force personnel soon after.

He was captured by Pakistani authorities after his MiG-21 Bison was shot down during a dogfight on Wednesday.

The India-Pakistan aerial combat followed IAF's air strikes in Pakistan's Balakot that destroyed a Jaish-e-

Mohammed (JeM) terrorist training camp. The Indian action was triggered by the 14 February Pulwama terror attack that left at least 40 CRPF personnel dead. That suicide attack was claimed by the JeM. "This is a new India, that will return the damage done by the terrorist with interest. The events of the past few days have demonstrated the strength of our armed forces. It has also brought our nation closer," Modi said at a public meeting in Kanyakumari."The country has been facing the menace of terrorism for years" but there "is a big difference now. India will no longer be helpless in the face of terror," Modi said.

Analysts have described the Balakot air strike as drawing new red lines in India's fight against terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

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It was 'Abhinandan' for Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, released by Pakistan late on Friday at the Wagah-Attari joint check-post (JCP), sixty hours after he was captured.

Wearing a white shirt, blue blazer and grey pants and sporting some scars on his face, a smiling Abhinandan walked back into India around 9.20 pm. He was then taken to Amritsar in a Toyota Innova car.

"Wing Commander Abhinandan has been handed over. As per standard procedure, he will be taken for a detailed medical check-up as he had to eject from a plane,'' Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said.

Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon said, "As he crossed over, Abhinandan was smiling. He said it was good to be back home. He has been taken away by the senior officials of the air force and he will be flown to Delhi after medical examination."

"We were earlier given to understand that he will be handed over to us at 6 PM but there was a delay by the Pakistani authorities. We have not

asked Pakistan why. We are happy to ities from Rawalpindi to Lahore and cials were waiting for Abhinandan Pak border, people sang patriotic songs and raised slogans like "Bharat have him. As a special case, the bor- then taken from there to the Batapur from the afternoon. der was opened and he crossed the barracks of the Pakistani army, a few Since morning patriotic fervour pre- Mata ki Jai". A youth from a nearby village was seen carrying a huge garland, while an elderly man was seen beating a dhol. Senior Deputy Mayor of Amritsar Raman Bakshi, who was also earlier present, too sang patriotic songs.

A group of youth sang, "Is desh ke yaaron kya kehna, yeh desh hai veer jawanoon ka". Earlier a youth carrying a garland of the airman said, "If permitted, I want to welcome the Wing Commander with this garland."

Others in the crowd said Pakistan should stop aiding and abetting terror or else be prepared to face the consequences. By 6.30 PM, many people left as the wait was growing longer. It was raining and only the Punjab Police, BSF, Army and Air Force IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman C as he is released by Pakistan authorities at officers were there apart from a Wagah border on the Pakistani side. handful of people with candles in their hands. Earlier Pakistan had kilometres from the Wagah border. vailed at the Attari border, with the reportedly turned down a request by zero line into India," said Dhillon.

It is learnt that there was some prob- After the paperwork got over, he was public singing songs, beating drums India to send back Abhinandan by lem in the documentation that led to finally allowed to walk to the JCP at and carrying the tricolour in their air. The IAF pilot's MiG 21 was shot the delay. The time of Abhinandan's the Wagah-Attari border, said hands. Hundreds of people waving and he bailed out after bringing down the tricolour flocked to Attari to one Pakistani F-16 fighter during the release was changed twice, said sources. dogfight to repel a Pakistani attack Senior IAF, Army, BSF, Punjab catch a glimpse of the pilot. sources.

He was brought by Pakistani author- Government and Punjab Police offi- Barely one km away from the Indo- on Wednesday morning.

R-73 missile: Weapon with which Abhinandan brought down F-16 jet NEW DELHI Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returned to India on Friday after he was handed over by Pakistan where he had been in captivity for nearly 60 hours. He had been in the enemy territory after he shot down a Pakistani F-16 with a short-range R73 missile during a fierce dogfight on Wednesday morning. He was flying a MiG-21 Bison which crossed the Line of Control (LoC) while trying to prevent the Pakistani jets from entering the Indian airspace. During the dogfight, his MiG-21 got shot down either by a surface-to-air missile or another Pakistani jet after which he was held captive by Pakistani forces.

Here's a look at what is an R-73 missile that brought down the Pakistani F-16 The R-73E air-to-air missile is designed to engage air targets in dogfight from any direction, day or night, against the earth background and in a heavy ECM environment. It is used on fighters, bombers and attack aircraft.

The high agility of the missile is achieved through the use of a unique combined gas/aerodynamic control system enabling thrust vectoring.

The missile attacks a target within the off-boresight angles of ± 45? at lineof-sight rates of up to 60 degrees. It is capable of intercepting targets flying at speeds up to 2,500 km per hour and altitudes of 0.02 to 20 km. It has an operational flying range of a maximum of 30 kilometres.

Pakistan had on Wednesday made an unsuccessful attempt to raid military establishments in India when its F-16 fighter jets violated Indian airspace but they were forced to retreat

by Indian Air Force's MiG-21. The MiG 21 also managed to shoot down one F16 jet of PAF. MiG-21 vs F16 MiG-21 is one of the most widely used fighter aircraft of the IAF. This single engine, single seater multirole fighter aircraft of Russian origin forms the backbone of the IAF. MiG-21 BISON is a multi-role, allweather air defence aircraft which can

hit a maximum speed of 2,230 kilometers per hour (Mach 2.1). It carries one 23mm twin-barrel cannon with four R-60 close combat missiles.

On the other hand, the F-16 which is also called Fighting Falcon or Viper is famous for its agility and these fighter jets were first inducted in Pakistan Air Force in early 80s. Pakistan A i r

Force uses the F-16C/D variants of F 16, which is a multirole combat aircraft.

The MiG 21aircraft comes equipped with modern Radar and Avionics systems and carries a mix of air-to-air and

air-to-ground weapons. In 1962, an agreement was signed by the Indian government with the Soviet Union to buy the MiG-21 and deliveries began the next year. Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) started making the first MiG-21 in 1967 after receiving the licence from the Soviet Union.

Available in both single-seat and double seat configuration, the F-16 Falcon is a single-engine aircraft. The fighter jet can pull 9-g manoeuvres, reaching a maximum speed over Mach 2. It has maximum high speed of 2120 kmph, a length of 1 5 . 0 6 metre and a wingspan of 9.96 metre.

Weighing 8570 kg (dry), the F 16 jet has a maximum takeoff weight of 19200 kg. Powered by a General Electric F110-GE-129 engine, this fighter jet has a dry thrust of 17,155 lbf (76.3 kN) and Thrust with afterburner of 28,600 lbf (127 kN). Though the MiG-21 is not a very large aircraft but

it can fly at a very high speed which allows it to sneak up to enemy planes from low altitude. The presence of a delta wing, just like Mirage 2000, makes the MiG 21 highly manoeuvrable in dogfights. MiG 21 is a single seater plane with a length of 14.7 m (48 ft 2 in) and wingspan of 7.154 m (23 ft 6 in). The empty weight of MiG 21 is 5,846 kg (12,880 lb) and its loaded weight is 8,725 kg (19,230 lb) with 2 × K-13A missiles. The maximum takeoff weight of this fighter jet is 9,800 kg (21,600 lb). Powered by a 1 × Tumansky R-25-300 afterburning turbojet, the dry thrust of MiG 21 is 40.21 kN (9,040 lbf) and the thrust with afterburner is 69.62 kN; 97.1 kN WEP (15,650 lbf; 21,825 lbf WEP).

The MiG 21 is loaded with one internal 23 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23L autocannon with 200 rounds. It can carry air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, KAB-500KR TV-guided bombs and 4 × 500 kg (1,100 lb) bombs. The F-16 can carry rockets, airto-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles and air-to-ship missiles along with a wide variety of bombs. Like Mirage 2000, ti also comes equipped with a radar on-board.

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CHANDIGARH

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The City Standard

Prayagraj, March 04, Monday, 2019

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RECORD-SETTING SPREE AT KUMBH MELA

Guinness Record for largest parade of 503 buses Actor Sonu Sood inaugurates world's 'largest oil lamp'

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CHIEF REPORTER PRAYAGRAJ India has made its way into the Guinness Records by parading 510 special buses non-stop in Prayagraj on Thursday to break the record of the United Arab Emirates. Till date, Abu Dhabi held a record of running 390 buses in a parade.A 5.8 km-long convoy of 390 buses had travelled a stretch of 4 km on the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway in Abu Dhabi during 2010. The record attempt was to celebrate UAE 39th national day.PrayagrajMela Authority made it to the Guinness World Record for the 'largest parade of buses', which was carried out in a systematic and organised way. A total of 510saffron buses with the Kumbh logo were used to make the record. The buses covered a stretch of 3.2 km in the district. The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) had decided to run the fleet between Sahson toll and Nawabganj toll plaza on National Highway 19. Observers from the Guinness Book of World Record were witness to the record-making attempt on the route on which buses ran. The Guinness World Record was announced by Chief

Casting Officer, Guinness Book of World Record, Rishinath and his team from the auditorium of Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) AT 3.00 noon. He said, "503 buses were running according to prescribed norms on the pre-planned route, which is a rare feat and created a record of sorts.

The 'Longest Parade of 510 Buses,' was flagged off jointly by the Principal Secretary of Transportation department, AradhnaShukla and Divisional Commissioner, Dr.Ashish Kumar Goel at 8.00 a.m. under the Guinness World Records attempt.

With an eye on the record, she said, "This is not just a record but documentation of arrangements at KumbhMela, which clearly depicts that how things have been managed during Kumbh in a systematic and organised way. The event speaks volumes about the new experiments carried out and new norms being set up during the KumbhMela period. This is a serious effort to showcase our ability to the entire world."

MelaAdhikari, Vijay KiranAnand, DIG KumbhMela, KP Singh, regional manager, UPSRTC, Harishchandra and other officials of the department were

present on the occasion.

"The parade was held to demonstrate the traffic plan which worked very well during the ongoingKumbhMela where 1,300 hectare of land was used for parking of vehicles, 20,000 police personnel were deployed for security and safety of the Kumbh Nagar and the millions who visited the congregation. This is to showcase the successful traffic and crowd management plan and route plan as a standard norm before the world.

Parking arrangement for 5 lakh vehicles was in place during the Kumbh. Nearly 60 lakh passengers have been ferried by 500 shuttle buses, which is a rare feat and record in itself. To ensure immaculate crowd and traffic management plan, arrangements were carried out for running of 500 shuttle buses. The demonstration and running of 510 buses is not only a part of record-setting spree but also exhibits world class arrangements during Kumbh as a norm for others to emulate. Shuttle buses have played a major role in arrival and departure of 22 crore pilgrims during KumbhMela and helped us to successfully execute the traffic management plan", Divisional Commissioner, Dr.Ashish Kumar Goel said.

ctor SonuSood arrived here in KumbhMela area on Tuesday and took a holy dip in Triveni-Sangam. He was fascinated with unique arrangements at mela area and sanitation in every step of the way. He hailed air strike by Indian Air Force and said, "India, for the first time, has broken a self-imposed psychological barrier of not resorting to first aerial attack. That a dozen IAF jets could fly past Pakistani air defences undetected, penetrate up to 100 km into hinterland, and return home safely, sends across a message that no place in Pakistan is safe: neither Islamabad nor their military capital Rawalpindi."

Meanwhile, SonuSood set alight the largest oil lamp (diya) and took the pledge for 'good health' at sector 18 near ArailGhat during a function organized by Too Yumm! India's fastest growing snacks brand from the house of Guiltfree Industries, FMCG division of the RP-SanjivGoenka Group. The colossal diya manufactured in Mumbai, Mira Steels measuring 476.5mm in height, and 2390.6mm in diameter is installed in sector 18 of the KumbhMela area near ParmarthNiketan.

The largest diya has been installed as a symbol of company's commitment towards good health. Post achieving the Guinness World Records in

Kumbh signature drive to save girl child attempts to break world record OUR CORRESPONDENT PRAYAGRAJ The UNICEF and the Global Interfaith Wash Alliance (GIVA), an organisation of ParmarthNiketan, have joined hands to break a Guinness record of highest number of signatures on a flag to promote a drive against child marriage. The present record is of 1,15, 405 signatures on a flag signed by people from all the 54 states of the US. Here at Kumbh, authorities have already collected more than 70,000 signatures on the flag.The flag, when unfurled, will be nearly the size of a football field, providing ample room for the lakhs of signatures that the campaign is expecting to attract.

The flag has been cut into 80 pieces by skilled technicians to ensure can be pieced back together in its entirety, said the Sadhvi. "On tour across the KumbhaMela, the signature campaign has been designed as an important tool to educate and

inspire the masses to say, 'Yes' to education; no to child marriage," said SadhviBhagwatiSaraswati of the ParmarthNiketan.

She further said that while regional differences vary, on an average, 27% of the girls India get married before they turn 18. Statistically, child brides witness domestic violence, suffer from diseases such as HIV/AIDS, and poverty.

"The signature campaign, undertaken by us, intends to hold important dialogues regarding the issue as it travels through the KumbhaMela, and then across the state of Uttar Pradesh to collect signatures and sow the seeds of change," she said.

SadhviSaraswati said 70,000 signatures have already been collected including those of Union water resources minister NitinGadkari, Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, Madhya Pradesh governor Anandi Ben Patel, film actor Sanjay Mishra and LubnaSalim, film makers MadhurBhandarkar, SubashGhai, AbhinavKashyap and many others.

LED vans flagged off to propagate practise of Yoga & Ayush PRAYAGRAJ: To spread health awareness, the people are being introduced to old Indian Yoga and Ayush via LED van, that are propagating the ancient practice in sector 1, 4, 6 and 17. The publicity campaign by UP State Ayush Society is attracting crowd and turning every head with informative content and unique videos.

Nodal Officer (Homeopathy) office and principal of Lal Bahadur Shastri Homeopathic College, Paphamau was the venue, in which, Dr. AK Chaturvedi flagged off four LED vans. He told mediapersons that UP State Ayush Society has installed four LED vans in Kumbh Mela are to spread awareness about the ancient practise of Yoga and Ayush. Four LED vans are spreading the word on Yoga, Unani and Siddha in sector 1, 4, 6 and 17. People are taking extreme interest in these videos. Nearly two lakh people have shown interest in Yoga and Ayush and benefitted from our health services. Apart from normal diseases, cure of complex disease is available in homeopathy and Ayurveda. Moreover, two additional LED vans are running across mela area in various sectors to spread awareness about Ayurveda medical treatment process. These vans will continue to publicise Yoga & Ayush till March 4. Nodal officer Homeopathy, Dr. Akhilesh Chandrabhan Singh and Dr. Sharda Prasad, Nodal officer, Ayurveda and others were present on the occasion.

Mumbai, the brand conducted the presentation ceremony for the record at the KumbhMela by Bollywood actor SonuSood and AnupamBokey - VP Marketing

campaign for a healthy tomorrow. I'm a great proponent of eating healthy and a true advocate of Too Yumm!, a brand that has succeeded in driving home this

Actor Sonu Sood and Anupam Bokey - VP Marketing (CMO) of the FMCG Business.

(CMO), FMCG Business of the RP-SanjivGoenka Group. The spectacular installation will be on display till the 4th of March, for devotees to witness this once in a lifetime event. By taking the pledge for good health, devotees can also participate. Too Yumm! known for its innovative, healthier offerings, installed the world's largest diya with an aim to propagate its wish for good health for one and all.

Sharing his thoughts on the activity actor SonuSood commented, 'I feel privileged to be here in support of Too Yumm!'s

message through its many path breaking ideas and products.

This diya is a testament of that commitment and I am extremely proud to be a part of this remarkable day. I will encourage everyone to take the pledge for themselves and definitely 'make a wish for good health'.

After spreading a wish for good health to all Kumbh devotees, the installation will be donated for a good cause. The successful record was a result of the joint efforts of Mullen Lintas, Golin Opinion, Rapport, Initiative Media and Interactive

Avenues.

AnupamBokey VP Marketing (CMO) of the FMCG Business, stated, "We are absolutely thrilled to have achieved this wonderful feat of the Guinness World Records, especially at one of the most sacred gatherings across the globe. Through this monumental diya, we have endeavored to make a wish for good health for one and all. 'Being healthy' forms the very foundation of our brand Too Yumm! We have always tried to convey our brand message through disruptive ideas, be it through the #WhyChipsVirat campaign and now with this largest diya.

While Kumbh offers us an excellent opportunity to get closer to our audience, the disruptive record will continue to help manifest our core brand message and propagate the significance of good health to the whole nation. After all, health is wealth!"

So if you are at Kumbh, don't miss out on this golden opportunity to witness and participate in the phenomenal Guinness World Record's achievement! New Record: Largest oil lamp (diya) depicting 'A wish for good health' lit at the KumbhMela by Bollywood actor SonuSood. Congratulations to @TooYumm on being the first to achieve a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSÂŽ feat at Kumbh 2019!

Water warriors saving people from drowning OUR CORRESPONDENT

If the Akharas termed as the soul of Kumbh, then it would be apt to term the Jal Police or the water warriors as the pride ofKumbh.

The heavy flow of the meandering Ganga and Yamuna at Sangam could do little to dent the morale

during ongoing Kumbh.

Since the beginning of Kumbh Mela, personnel of Jal Police, PAC (Flood control) have saved the lives of more than 38 devotees including sadhus and children. Apart from saving lives have not been allowing devotees \ pilgrims to enter into deep water and even assisting aged pilgrims to take holy dips.

While carrying out heroic rescues, the jawans are educating pilgrims and devotees about the right way to perform holy bath and even appealing not to throw puja articles.

Interestingly, there are over 60 jawans of Jal Police and PAC (flood relief) who have been serving the mankind since 1979 including sub-inspector who had

said, "Our priority is to safeguard the lives of pilgrims and devotees coming to the Sangam city to take holy dip and rescue them if there is any case of drowning. We have been maintaining a strict watch on ghats and also advising pilgrims to take some precautions."

The fact is that jawans of Jal Police feel proud to

of the water warriors, who have been risking their own lives to save the drowning devotees, only to ensure that the devotees, who have landed in the Sangam city for attaining salvation, leave the place in best of health and spirits. Their efforts of saving the lives of pilgrims have been praised both by officials and Mela visitors, as they maintain a strict watch on ghats and boats round the clock.

The jawans had saved the lives of several persons

The fact is that the water of Ganga and Yamuna is quite deep at some pockets in all the 40 ghats. Whenever devotees make abortive attempt to enter into deep water intentionally, the jawans sitting on boats near barricading warn them not to do so, as this could be dangerous.

Secondly, the jawans are also controlling mobs of pilgrims at ghats, especially on the days when royal bathings (shahi snan) are being held.

saved a number of pilgrims and devotees from drowning.

Be it the 1989 Kumbh, 1995 Ardh Kumbh, 2001 Kumbh, and 2007 Ardh Kumbh, jawans have saved uncounted devotees, including women and children, from drowning. "We have to keep a strict vigil on ghats, as scores of Mela pilgrims are taking holy dip," a Jal Police cop said, and added, "A slight laxity may result in mishaps."

Deputy SP, Jal Police

be part of Maha Kumbh and claim their services are offering them an immense pleasure when they save the lives of innocent pilgrims as every life is important for family members.

If you are able to safeguard/save the life even of a single person, its means you have served the mankind.

For the last 36 years, jawans of jal police have been making arrangements for pilgrims at temporary ghats so that they could not enter in deep water areas.

PRAYAGRAJ

NDRF constable who saved pilgrim from drowning in Kumbh dies PRAYAGRAJ: A constable of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) who sustained a severe spinal injury while saving a pilgrim from drowning in the Kumbh Mela died in a Delhi hospital on Friday, a senior NDRF official said. Constable Rajender Gautam, 36, a resident of Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, died around 5.30 am at the Safdarjung Hospital, NDRF Inspector General L Ravi Joseph said. On February 19, he jumped into the waters of the Sangam to rescue an elderly man. "Gautam was on duty at the Kumbh Mela on February 19 when he saw an old pilgrim struggling in the water. He had crossed the safety barrier to take a holy dip in the river waters near Someshawara Ghat. Gautam was on an NDRF boat and jumped into the river without caring for his own life," Joseph said. Though the pilgrim was saved, Gautam was severely injured in the spine. "He was first rushed to a local hospital and from there referred to the Swaroop Rani Hospital," Joseph said.

"Considering the severity of his condition, he was moved to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital in an Uttar Pradesh government air ambulance on February 19 itself," he added.

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Martyr CRPF soldiers' better half wants government to uproot terror RAJEEV RANJAN MISHRA PRAYAGRAJ Family of CRPF soldier, Mahesh Yadav, a native of Allahabad, who lost his life in a terrorist attack in Pulwama on February 14, lauded the Indian Air Force (IAF) for launching air strikes on terror camps across the Line of Control (LoC) but demanded that the government should continue measures to uproot terrorism.

They said India should maintain pressure on Pakistan and continue to take action till all the perpetrators of the attack are eliminated.

Sanju Devi (25), widow of CRPF soldier Mahesh Yadav of Meja tehsil in Prayagraj, said, "Whatever the government is doing now to weed out terror camps across the border should have been done earlier. More such strikes should be carried out to avenge the death of our soldiers." "The government should either finish Pakistan forever or stop recruiting soldiers in security forces if they are to meet the same fate like Mahesh. We should not lose more soldiers," she said.

"A day before the terror-

Mother with children and wife (right) of late Mahesh Yadav. ist attack, Mahesh told me that he would come soon and we would go to Kumbh Mela to take a holy dip. But now he will never return. My sons, Samar (5) and Sahil (4), look at his photograph and ask why we have put a garland on it. What should I tell them and what would they understand at this age?" she said.

Sanju Devi welcomed the IAF strikes but said she would be satisfied only when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took steps to ensure that no soldier was killed in future.

Pi-Lo to provide free RO drinking water for masses during & after Kumbh STAFF REPORTER

Harikesh Yadav, a relative of deceased CRPF jawan, said the IAF action had brought some respite but the government should eliminate terrorism. He said, "The Army should continue taking action against terrorists to ensure no mother loses her son and no wife loses her husband."

His counterpart and other relative who arrived at CRPF martyr's home to pay last tributes, expressed satisfaction over the retaliatory action against Pakistan by the IAF but sought further action

- Photo CS

against it till all the perpetrators of the attack are eliminated. "Action should continue till the terrorist camps in Pakistan are completely obliterated. We can't see our soldiers being killed every next day in terror attacks," he said.

"This is what we had been expecting from the government and the army, both of whom should be thanked for this morale-boosting strike.

Still, a lot of militants are hiding in Pakistan and more operations are needed to eliminate them," said the neighbour of deceased Mahesh

Yadav.

Ram Kartar, a villager, said: "I want to ensure that Pakistan is vanished from the map." "Dhokhe se maartey hain (They attack and kill by deceit)," the he said. "One strike is not enough. There should be many more of them," he added.

A youth sitting next to him, however, questioned the authenticity of the government's claim that there have been several casualties on the Pakistani side. "Pakistan has only admitted to the strike.

Not casualties," he said.

Samar (5), son of Mahesh Yadav, said his father's sacrifice shouldn't go in vain. "I want more of such attacks," he said. "There is some satisfaction now of having avenged Pulwama. They killed our son in a manner most foul. This was a proxy war. We need to ensure that there are no more such attacks," said father of slain CRPF jawan.

"It is the beginning of action against Pakistan and we hope it would be taken to its logical end. I cannot rejoice as I have lost my husband but I can sleep better from now onwards," Sanju Devi concluded.

Prayagraj, March 04, Monday, 2019

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Priyanka's elevation raises Congress' spirits in Nehru's home town STAFF REPORTER PRAYAGRAJ With catchy slogans like "Hai Ganga Ki Beti, Jo Jeetegi UP" doing the rounds through colourful banners and posters dotting the KumbhMela area, the entry of Priyanka Gandhi is surrounded by an air of excitement and euphoria among Congress workers and locals alike. It appears that the city, which has earned the distinction of producing at least five Prime Ministers of the country, and also being the hometown of Nehru-Gandhi family, is suddenly alive for reasons best known to all.

Even though it is also a fact that the Congress party has never won the Allahabad parliamentary seat since 1988, after the exit of cinestar Amitabh Bachchan, who resigned from the seat, an element of optimism has crept into the local leaders and party workers after the announcement of Priyanka's entry into active politics. Enquiries about her impending visit to the city, along with her brother and national party president, Rahul Gandhi, have already begun from veteran party leaders who until now had decided to confine themselves indoors, away from active politics, said UPCC spokesperson Kishore Varshney.

He added that although the

itinerary of the two is not clear, but the mood among partymen and the public is filled with positivity and enthusiasm.

Young Congress leaders now believe that their voices will be heard more than before But on the other hand, there are others like veteran Congress leader and President, Allahabad Muharram Jhoola Committee, GhulamRasool, who are keeping their fingers crossed over the outcome of the visit. He feels that a lot depends on how the earlier vote bank of the Congress, including Muslims, Brahmins and Dalits, react to this development. If a small section of them returns to the Congress fold, than things are going to be very rosy for the Congress party in the coming days and certainly Priyanka has the ability to swing them back, he says.

Another senior leader and former city mayor, ChaudharyJitendraNath Singh, opined, "As per my opinion, a lot depends on how the young voters, including the youth aged between 18 to 25 years, express their priority because they are the ones who will be going to vote in large numbers and play a deciding role.

Obviously, Priyanka has the charismatic personality to impress their minds."

Further, she has the ability to change the perception of voters from all classes and age

groups and it is an undeniable fact that this quality of any leader has shown astounding results in the Hindi heartland in 2014 and 2017, and UP happens to be the center.

However, this must also be kept in mind that apart from senior party leaders and workers, it is the new generation of Congress leaders who have managed to successfully keep alive the Congress banner despite its dismal performance in 2014 parliamentary elections. For them, the entry of Priyanka into formal politics and elevation of Rahul has come as a shot in the arm, as they feel that now their voices would be heard more in the party. Young leaders like Haseeb Ahmad, Abhin Kishore and IrshadUllah have become popular faces even though they do not occupy any post in the party organisation. The reason is simple. They have that uncanny skill of projecting themselves and the party amidst a crowd of leaders from parties like BJP, SP and BSP through their articulacy and creative acumen, designing eye-catching posters and banners and putting them at prominent places drawing the attention of national media.

The bottom line is that the spirits of Congressmen are sky high and they are willing to rally behind their leader. How things change in the coming days, though, is yet to be seen.

IN FIRST PERSON

Biggest congregation with a difference - Paradigm shift from the past

PRAYAGRAJ Keeping the spark and momentum high of the soon-to-conclude KumbhMela 2019, Pi-Lo collaborates with BSGSS and REC Foundation to serve free RO drinking water to pilgrims until the very last day of the event, and at various iconic locations of Prayagraj. With more and more devotees and pilgrims visiting KumbhMela 2019 from all across the country, Pi-Lo ShudhPani Foundation, BisnouliSarvodayaGramodyogSewaSansthan (BSGSS) a Delhi Based NGO in partnership with REC Foundation, the CSR wing of Rural Electrification Corporation Limited launched an initiative to provide free, safe and clean RO drinking water to all pilgrims until the very last day of KumbhMela. While this initiative will provide free RO drinking water to the general public at the KumbhMela site, post this event, the trio will further set up water ATM machines at various iconic locations of India starting from Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand and UP. BisnouliSarvodayaGramodyogSewaSansthan (BSGSS), a Delhi based NGO dedicated to promoting sustainable livelihood initiatives for underprivileged sections of the society and REC Foundation signed a memorandum of agreement with PiloShudhPani Foundation, a water technology firm on 14 February 2019 in New Delhi as their technical partner to provide free drinking water to the general public under their CSR initiative. In pursuance of the above, BSGSS organized a public function at AkshayaPatra, Sector - 4, Prayagraj, on 26 February 2019 to earmark the formal launch of installation of smart water ATMs (Automated Drinking Water Dispensing Machines) at different locations across KumbhMela site.

AvinashBharati from REC foundation inaugurated the project at AkshayaPatra. Office bearers of BSGSS, officials from the district administration and Mela organizing committee attended this event.

Commenting on this initiative, AvinashBharati, Chief Manager REC Foundation said, "It is a fact that owing to rapid urbanization, unchecked industrial approval action, and pollution of water factories, access to safe water in India remains a major challenge approval action age. We are happy to be associated with Pi-Lo ShudhPani Foundation in making pure drinking water a possibility for the masses, and just not classes."

PRAYAGRAJ: A combing operation is conducted to weed out unwanted elements from an area. In our digital age, when narratives are built from keystrokes causing a dissonance between what we hear and what we see, let us comb the Kumbh and separate the unwanted elements from the much-tangled hair of humanity.The Kumbh I had heard of was very different from the Kumbh I saw.

The Kumbh I had heard of was supposed to be stiflingly crowded, stinkingly filthy, starkly down-market and swarming with fake unwashed sadhus. 'Civil society' was dismissive about it and regaled each other ridiculing the name change from Allahabad to Prayagraj.

The tribute UNESCO paid to the Kumbh as the living heritage of humanity is what I saw at Prayagraj. It took us 78 man-hours to criss-cross and soak-in the divinity spread over 7,907 acres.

There are no invites, no social media campaigns and no posts that attract the 5,00,00,000 pilgrims on just that one day of MauniAmavasya alone.The Kumbh is a sensory overload. Rising above the cacophony of sounds and sights, I saw a throbbing vibrant mass of consciousness living the timeless ritual just as their ancestors had for eons before them. But this time, there was a difference.

This Kumbh was about making a difference. Making a difference to the humblest pilgrim.Making the humblest pilgrim connect with their self.Making the humblest pilgrim proud of their shared heritage. It was about giving the

This Kumbh provides no-holds-barred experience of humanity forgiving pilgrim a clean and safe environment.

I saw the bogey of hygiene busted.

Uniquely designed penta-urinals for men dotted every walkway. At a discreet distance were arrangements for women. I saw safai-karmacharis equipped with pressurised water hoses involved with their work. Thoughtfully named as 'swachchagrahi', they had a place they could call their own. For all 2,000 of them, massive, clean, brightly lit and well-insulated dormitories ensured that these health workers took responsibility for their tasks with missionary zeal. Their decentralised teams toiled under a distributed leadership model working round the clock in geographically dispersed teams to keep the 2,00,000 toilets squeaky clean.

And no, human waste does not flow into the holy waters.The Kumbh I had read about scared me into being wary of wading the filthy e-coli infested water.The Kumbh I saw was equipped with massive sump pits that collected human waste. Automated trucks sucked this sludge into tankers that would ferry it to the nearest sewage treatment plant. At the Kumbh, I missed seeing the rodents and the roaches entirely. The Kumbh I had read about, endlessly debated the quality of Ganga water and the money spent on it.

The dubki I did at the TriveniSangam, was an experience that connected me to every individual in the world. The oneness with the thousands around me was calming.Everyone did their bit to be eco-friendly. The phoolwalay at the ghats had radically innovated their flower baskets from plastic to handmade paper boats. These take-away boats were laden with organically grown, locally sourced rose petals, soluble mud diyas with bee wax and a cotton wick completing the boat contents. At the TriveniSangam, this ageold, yet perfectly biodegradable, offering was bestowed on the Ganga. Clear water from the Ganga was carried home by the faithful in transparent plastic containers.

Every pilgrim navigating across the waters wears a lifejacket.From the anchored pontoons in the middle of the Sangam, the aged, the young, the differently abled and the enthusiastic descended onto the dubki platform under the watchful eyes of lifeguards on their bobbing life rafts. Every single pilgrim was wearing a lifejacket, the local boatmen ensured it!

Lips sent out silent prayers, tears streamed down faces, some shivered in the cold waters as they energised themselves with loud prayers. Hundreds of folded hands reached out to the heav-

ens and one of them was mine.

The Kumbh I had read about narrated sordid tales of swirling unwashed masses jostling against each other. It warned me that women were not safe and to beware of inappropriate touches.

The Kumbh that I saw was full of families. Men, women, children, grandparents with headloads of their belongings, caring for each other, walking purposefully with devotion in their eyes. I roamed around at night, under the swathes of 40,000 LED structures that dotted the riverbanks, and felt safer here than in any city of the world. The voices of police personnel had gone hoarse, as they patiently gave directions and repeated instructions innumerably to even those that did not understand them the first time.

These handpicked teetotallers, nonsmokers and trained policemen, were an example of a trained and a sensitised police force.

The Kumbh I saw, had 22 pontoon bridges that crisscrossed the mighty rivers. Each of these was unidirectional and crowd controlled to prevent any chances of a stampede.

The Kumbh I had read about, told me it was a religious gathering of Hindus. Inside the Kumbh, there would be Hindu zealots, fake babas giving fanatic talks, persistent priests

pestering for puja.

In the Kumbh that I saw, small crowds gathered in the innumerable akhadas to listen to soothing voices that told them how to lead a simple life. They passed on the age-old Indic wisdom of conquering greed, relinquishing ego and looking inward for the answers. These were distributed knowledge centres exchanging best practices for leading a fulfilled life.

I saw Sikh akhadas performing Seva. Young turbaned men working enthusiastically at the langars, hauling heavy cauldrons to feed the pilgrims.

Guru Nanak Devji gave his aashirwad to all from the entrance to every such akhada.

In the Kumbh I saw, there were hundreds of foreigners, many of whom were interested in the living unbroken history of mankind. Others were there to see a show, a spectacle so intense that nothing in the world matched it.

Many young Indians were there too on a selfie spree. But there were also thousands upon thousands who were there simply because they believed in the wisdom of their ancestors. To them, continuity of civilisation was far more important than trivialities.

I implore you to see for yourself 'the living heritage of humanity'. If you stand in judgement, you miss the exquisite layers of an ancient civilisation's wisdom that wants to shyly reveal itself. If you immerse yourself, maybe you would understand a fraction of it.- Sunil Umrao, Professor, Mass Communication Department, Allahabad University.

Modi dedicates Seoul Prize money to 'NamamiGange'

Carrying forward legacy of Bapu, PM washes feet of sanitary workers CHIEF REPORTER PRAYAGRAJ PRAYAGRAJ: PM Modi arrived in Prayagraj in a special Indian Air Force (IAF) chopper at DPS helipad to distribute the SwachhKumbhSwachhAabhaar awards to 'safaaikarmacharis', 'swachhaagrahis', police personnel and 'naaviks'. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, deputy chief minister,Keshav Prasad Maurya, Urban Development Minister, Suresh Khanna, Medical and Health Minister, SiddharthNath Singh, Commissioner, Dr.AshishGoel, MelaAdhikari, Vijay KiranAnand, ADG zone, SN Sabat, IG range, MohitAgarwal and other officials received the Prime Minister upon his arrival in the holy city.

On his visit on Sunday, PM took holy dip at Sangam- the holy confluence of the sacred Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Sarawasti rivers and prayed for the welfare of countrymen and also who have been part of Kumbh. Amid chanting of shlokas, PM Modi performed Ganga Pujan and also held dughdabhishek (offering milk in sangam water) and also performed Ganga Aarti, under the guidance of PurohitDeepu Mishra. After brief 'Sankalp' he gave 'dakshina' to the priests.

Dressed in an orange kurta and wrapped in a saffron shawl, the prime minister participated in the 'Triveni Puja' conducted by a group of priests. He offered milk, fruits, a red sari and chandan to the holy rivers.Amid the chanting of hymns, PM Modi also did a brief 'Sankalp' for which he later offered some 'dakshina' to the priests. He was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and state BharatiyaJanata Party (BJP) chief

MahendraNathPandey.PM Modi later performed the 'aarti' and interacted with the priests who conducted the puja.A sacred thread was tied to his right wrist as a symbol of the blessings that come from propitiating the holy rivers.At the gathering, PM Modi said no stone was left unturned to make this "DivyaKumbh" a "Bhavya (grand) Kumbh".

Prime Minister NarendraDamodardasModi appreciated the efforts put in by sanitation workers in making 'DivyaKumbh and BhavyaKumbh' as SwachhKumbh. As a mark of respect for them PM washed the feet of the group of sanitation workers (a mark of respect according to Indian tradition). PM said that this Kumbh will also be remembered as digital Kumbh.

PM also expressed his heartiest thanks to 'safaaikarmacharis', 'swachhaagrahis', police personnel, boatmans and citizens in making SwacchKumbh and SurakshitKumbh (clean and safe Kumbh).

They were awarded with 'SwacchSewaSamman' by PM on the occasion. PM said that they all stood out as great inspirations for the country.

Thereafter PM participated in the 'Swachh KumbhSwachh Aabhaar' event, organized by Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, on Sunday. He was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Addressing the 'SwachhKumbh, SwachhAabhaar' programme PM Modi raised slogan 'Jai Ho Ganga Maiya, Jai Ho Yamuna Maiya, Jai HoSaraswatiMaiya and Jai hoPrayagraj'. He said he feels blessed being part of swacchkumbh and by taking dip at Sangam. He said, it was a big responsibility to keep clean an area where 20-22 crore people had gathered. But sanitation workers by performing their duty with hon-

esty have proved that there is nothing impossible in the world. The sanitation workers kept doing their work without any recognition and praise, said Modi.

He further said that at Kumbh people do tap (tapasya), dhyaan (meditation) and

ing towards becoming open-defecation free (ODF) before October 2 this year and thanked the thousands of sanitation workers and volunteers who ensured a clean Kumbh. He also thanked all those who were not only physically contributing to the

sadhana. It is the place where there are hatyogi (a type of offering prayer) tapyogi and mantrayogi but among them this time there are 'karmayogi' who are making efforts in making arrangements at mela.

And among thseskarmayogi are the saniation workers who with their efforts have made Kumbh as 'SwacchKumbh.'

The gesture that was unexpected was the washing of feet of five sanitation workers including two female and one male. PM said, in once life there are moments that are unforgettable for them. Modi said this would remain etched in his memory for the rest of his life.

PM further said that nation is fast mov-

cause of Swacch Bharat and projects like NamamiGange but also contributing financially to it.

"I have also made a small contribution towards NamamiGange," the Prime Minister said, adding that the amount of Rs 1.30 crore he got as part of the Seoul Peace Prize recently has been donated to the NamamiGange mission. He said the clean and flowing Ganga is an outcome of the positive efforts of the government. He said 32 drains that were directly flowing to rivers have been closed and now, the water is coming to the rivers after being treated by the Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).

Further, while praising the police and

the security arrangements at Kumbh, PM Modi said that the 'Lost and Found' Department has done remarkable job to maintain the security and reuniting families. He also, appreciated the efforts of police and security personnel's deployed in mela. He said it was the result of these that the members have been reunited with their families. He said it is for the first time, at this Kumbh that devotees have got opportunities to visit Akshaywat after taking dip at Sangam. After Independence Akshaywat was never opned for common man. But this time devotes have got the opportunity to visit akshaywat and saraswatikup situated in Akbar Fort. PM lauded the support of Prayagwasi (residents of Prayagraj) in divya and bhavyakumbh. He said during kumbh entire city becomes divya (spiritual) with the aura of kumbh and they have become inspiration for entire country.

Expressing his thanks to the boatman PM said, they are the one who irrespective of their own life save the life of others. He further said without boatman Ramayan is also incomplete. He said boatman and he (PM) have close relation with each other.

Adding further PM said, they (boatman) term themselves as sevak of Lord Ram and he (PM) terms himself as Pradhansewak.

'You are Ganga putra (son of Gnaga) and I am serving you (boatman) on the call of Maa Ganga.

Prime Minister NarendraModi, on Sunday, dedicated the Seoul Prize money of INR 1.3 crore to his flagship project 'NamamiGange'. Modi was conferred with Seoul Prize by South Korea for his contribution in economics and world peace during his two day visit to the country. "I've never seen a more cleaner Ganga previously and it has only been possible because of the NamamiGange project," said Modi, adding, "The amount collected after auc-

tioning the presents that I have received in the past four-and-a-half years as the Prime Minister are being used in the service of the Ganga." He added that the amount of money he received as part of the Seoul Piece Prize has already been dedicated to Namami Ganga Mission. Despite the shortage of material wealth at Kumbh, joy and inner peace can be found. It can be used to carve out the way of life ahead, he further added.

Prime Minister NarendraModi on Sunday carried forward Mahatma Gandhi's legacy of felicitating sanitation workers by washing their feet, in Prayagraj. PM Modi washed the feet of cleaning workers who have been helping to keep the Kumbh clean.

Modi has become the second Prime Minister of India to visit the largest religious gathering of Kumbh after former PM Jawaharlal Nehru.

Starting and ending his speech paying gratitude to the holy rivers in Prayagraj, a place of reverence, especially for Hindus, Modi also praised the "naaviks' (boatmen), calling them the "sevak" of Lord Ram. The prime minister described himself as their, the boatmen's, pradhansevak (principal servant). "Boatmen play an important role during Kumbh. There is a strong relationship between Prayagraj and boatmen. They are the dedicated soldiers of Maa Ganga.

Without them, the Ramayana of Lord Ram is incomplete," Modi said.

"Lord Ram, by whose benevolence everyone's boat sails through, his boat was ferried by our naavik friends. I share a deep relationship with you... You call yourself 'Gangaputra', I have come on the call of Maa Ganga and serving you," the prime minister said amid an applause from the audience. He said the infrastructure created for this year's Kumbh is permanent, unlike previous years.

CITIFIED

The City Standard

Prayagraj, March 04, Monday, 2019

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AYUSHMAAN BHARAT PRADHANMANTRI JANAROGYA YOJANA

Minister Siddharth Nath hands over smart card to beneficiaries CHIEF REPORTER PRAYAGRAJ With the aim of expanding the ambit of Ayushmaan Bharat Pradhanmantri Janarogya Yojana, Medical & Health Minister, Siddharth Nath Singh distributed plastic smart card to 30 beneficiaries under Ayhushmaan Bharat which covers health insurance at the auditorium of Integrated Control & Command Centre. The beneficiaries included Santosh Kumar Bharti, Rakesh Bharti, Banwari Lal, Basant Lal Maurya, Shiv Bahadur, Guddi Devi, Shri Krishna Kesri and others. He distributed plastic smart card and water of river Ganga.

Since the launch of Ayushman Bharat Yojana (or Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana), around 1.18 lakh families, nearly 6.47 crore have benefitted under the health insurance cover in Uttar Pradesh. All plastic card holders can avail benefits at hospitals upto the tune of Rs. 5 lakh.

Of the Rs 1,456 crore spent on patients, around 77 per cent is on tertiary specialities like medical oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, urol-

ogy, and radiation oncology.

It is also estimated that 65 per cent of the treatment took place in private hospitals.

Under the scheme, primary health centres from rural areas would be converted to health and wellness centres (HWC) which would be well equipped for universally screening of common non communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and three common cancers.

Siddharth Nath Singh said that in the first year, the scheme is expected to generate a demand for 43,000 additional hospital beds and 5,000 more doctors. "The scheme is believed to result in 1.7 crore hospitalisations in the first year. Out of the total spending almost 40 per cent or Rs 5,260 crore would go to the public sector hospitals and Rs 7, 250 crore or 60 per cent would go to the private sector.

"The launch of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)-Ayushman Bharathas given a major fillip to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for inclusive development, Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. For one, it will not discriminate against people on the basis of religion, caste and creed. Secondly, it

Learn to save a life from heart attack by receiving CPR training: Dr. Mukul Mishra STAFF REPORTER PRAYAGRAJ "When someone has a heart attack, there is a limited amount of time in which to react. Do you know how to recognize symptoms and what to do if someone is having a heart attack? Become a Heart Helper! By learning CPR life-saving skills," said heart disease specialist of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital Lucknow, Dr. Mukul Mishra while inaugurating 'Chiranjeev Hriday: CPR Seekho, Dil Dhadakne Do' (Longevity Heart: Learn CPR, Let Heart Beat) campaign at the auditorium of Netra Kumbh Shivir.

The special CPR training camp is being organised by Medratonic organisation at Netra Kumbh premises, which will continue till March 4.

While addressing mediapersons, he said, "Heart attacks near the top of the list of the most common causes of death. Despite this fact, should a heart attack occur, most people are unprepared to address the situation. The significance of this is that over half of such deaths are occurring in settings where there are no healthcare professionals trained to spot the warning signs of a heart attack, providing the best possible chances of early intervention. Unlike heart attacks, which occur when blood flow is slowed or prevented by a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries, sudden cardiac arrest results from a catastrophic failure of the heart's rhythm or underlying electrical circuitry. The heart beats dangerously fast. The disorganized electrical rhythm, in which the heart quivers or flutters rather than pumps - known as ventricular fibrillation - prevents the delivery of blood to the rest of the body. Within a minute, the lack of blood flow to the brain causes a person to lose consciousness. Death follows shortly after, unless the victim receives emergency treatment, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or defibrillation, immediately. Some people experience symptoms of heart disease, such as a racing heartbeat or dizziness. However, many patients never experience any symptoms. Cardiac arrest can be the first sign."

"Increase access to programs - particularly in schools and general public at large - that not only educate people on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heart disease, but also inform them how to respond in an emergency situation. CPR training is a critical component. If performed immediately, CPR can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival. Unfortunately, in India people lag behind other western nations when it comes to the percentage of victims who received bystander CPR, as well as the survival rate for witnessed cardiac arrests. Increased education and training will help drive change" he added.

comes as a huge blessing for ments and diabetes," he said. crores of impoverished Sample this: Data of the Indians who cannot afford to National Sample Survey undergo treatment in hospi- Organization (NSSO)

primarily depended on their 'household income/savings' (68 per cent) and on 'borrowings' (25 per cent), while the

family's earnings and savings, and also forces it to borrow, it shows why the poor will think thrice before going

tals, given the exorbitant healthcare costs. If implemented effectively, this can be the mother of all welfare schemes in India, if not the world, because it covers 1,300 ailments, including heart diseases, kidney ail-

urban households relied much more on their 'income/saving' (75 per cent) for financing expenditure on hospitalisation, than on 'borrowings' (only 18 per cent). If medical treatment consumes such huge proportions of a

to a doctor. The reality is healthcare expenditure has reduced lakhs of families to penury.

According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, in 2011-12, out of pocket expenditure for

revealed that around 86 per cent of the rural population and 82 per cent of the urban population were not covered under any scheme of health expenditure support. The same survey had also revealed that rural families

Siberian seagulls represent marvel of planetary life migrate thousands of kilometres along the Central Asian Flyway, which spans the terriPRAYAGRAJ tory between Eurasia and the Indian Ocean.

Visit the confluence of the Ganga and Some migrations happen on the East-West or Yamuna at Prayag within the next few weeks, Asia-Africa axis as well. The birds soar high and you can witness hundreds of Siberian on thermal columns in formations that are

efits under the scheme people can get the smart card from listed hospitals and common service centre.

A beneficiary eligible for receiving the benefits under the scheme shall be required to furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar number or undergo Aadhaar authentication.

Any beneficiary desirous of availing the benefits under the scheme, who is not yet enrolled for Aadhaar, shall have to apply for Aadhaar by 31st March, 2019. Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme which is expected to have big rural coverage - those exercising this option will also have to furnish any one out of ten other designated IDs, such as voter ID card, driving license or PAN card, to reconfirm their identity. But in no event will an alternative ID document alone guarantee benefits under the scheme.

Chief Executive Officer, Sangeeta Singh said that the scheme kicked off on September 23, 2018. Patients can avail benefits at any of the listed hospital. The service is portable. To receive detailed information about the scheme, people can get in touch with the helpline number 180018004444 at anytime of the day or night 24x7.

Hymns of Ganga Maiya enthral devotees during cultural Kumbh

Eat pray fly

STAFF REPORTER

medicines pushed about 3.8 crore persons into poverty, of the 5.5 crore that were impoverished due to total health costs, including lab tests, diagnostics, doctor and surgeon fees. It is in this context that PMJAY assumes significance. According to the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data, 8.03 crore families in rural and 2.33 crore in urban areas will be entitled to be covered under this scheme, which means around 50 crore people will be entitled to the benefits. A lifeline for such a huge number of people is virtually unheard of and each family gets a benefit cover of Rs 5 lakh for secondary and tertiary care treatment involving hospitalisation.

The prime minister launched this flagship scheme on September 23, 2018 and uptill now 37,000 people across Uttar Pradesh have availed benefit under the scheme. Plastic smart cards have been distributed to 18.36 lakh people across the state and 63,410 people in Prayagraj. Patients can avail benefits in 1634 hospitals across the state, which include 138 private hospitals and 15 government hospitals in Prayagraj. To receive ben-

STAFF REPORTER Information and Public Relation Department is entertaining audiences with mesmerising songs by holding cultural Kumbh. They raised chants of 'Jai Ganga Maiya' when artists were singing

the audiences, they are also spreading the word about the welfare and development schemes.

Puppet show, drama, folk song, aalha, magic, bhajan, qawwali, dance, classical singing and other arts are being performed by artists. Different singing & drama teams are performing in all 20 sectors of

hymns. Artists also gave information on cleanliness, health and important issues. Welfare schemes of government were also propagated among public.

Sanskritik Pandal', established by Information & Public Relation Department at Triveni Road in sector 1 of mela area is propagating and publicizing the welfare schemes initiated by the government in every sector & prominent crossings of the city by deploying a team of 60-70 cultural teams on a daily basis.

Various cultural programs are staged in the pandal from 2.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. The pandal can accommodate thousands of visitors at a time.

Lakhs of people have already attended the programs and derived benefits. Nearly 6 to 8 parties are performing everyday on the stage 'Sanskritik Pandal' regularly. Besides entertaining

the mela area. Moreover, Cultural Kumbh is being organised at prominent crossings & locations of the city.

The Information department has started staging these programs in cultural marquee in sector 1 from January 10 and curtains will be drawn over the ongoing activities at Sanskriti Pandal on March 5.

Nodal officer, song-drama section, Gokul Prasad Dubey informed that major aim of organising these functions is to present welfare schemes of the government in easy to understand and interesting way.

Artists who have participated in different programs of Doordarshan & Akashvani are showcasing their talent and unique skills before the audiences. People are thronging the exhibition in large numbers and provided with publicity literature free of cost.

PRAYAGRAJ

Swami Hansdevachary a dies in road accident STAFF REPORTER PRAYAGRAJ

seagulls performing noisy acrobatics up in the air. They feed on whatever is made available by the rivers and the pilgrims, as also the boats cruising by.

The seagulls migrate to the subcontinent to escape Eurasia's harsh winters. In Prayag, their presence from October to March is framed within the ecology of local beliefs.

They are counted among the pilgrims who flock the confluence annually for the Magh Mela, which becomes an Ardh Kumbh every six years, as in 2019.

But if we zoom out, we see that the Siberian seagulls of Allahabad represent a marvel of planetary life. They are part of the hundreds of other winged species - including cranes, flamingos, cormorants, storks, starlings, herons, ducks and thrushes - that

often visible in clear November skies. The seagulls spread across the subcontinent's water bodies.

Their migration cycle, lasting about six months, holds valuable lessons for humans.

Of endurance - a journey of thousands of kilometres in which lives are lost, the dead are grieved and the journey is continued. Of intergenerational learning - which ensures that each new generation of birds remembers the pathways, resting spots and signs of welcome and danger. Of community feeling without which such journeys cannot be accomplished. Of coexistence - whereby the native and migrant species live side-by-side.

Of course, the cycle also offers a bird's-eye view of life itself: Fly in, fly about, and fly out.

Noted saint Swami Hansdevacharya, a key figure associated with the Ram temple movement, died on Friday in a road accident in Unnao district while returning from Kumbh Mela Prayagraj. The news has sent shockwaves among seers in Prayagraj who observed two minute silence for the peace of departed soul. Three of his associates traveling with him were injured in the accident. The accident took place early in the morning near Devkhari village of Ganj Moradabad on AgraLucknow expressway.

The seer was heading to Haridwar from Prayagraj Kumbh Mela.

The driver is said to have slept while driving the SUV, which crashed into the truck ahead.

Fearing controversy, AU students shut 'suicide letter writing competition' STAFF REPORTER PRAYAGRAJ

Artists from Odisha performing dance during a show at Cultural Kumbh 2019

Recently, reports emerged that some Allahabad University students had organized a suicide letter writing competition. The event, 'Aakhri Alfaz' was scheduled to take place at the literary and cultural fest, Udbodhan- The Awakening, by a group from the Shatabdi Boys' Hostel on February 22.

However, their event was considered insensitive by many people and after facing backlash, it has now been canceled. Event's winner was supposed to win cash prize and certificate.

Event: To participate in the event, one had to submit a registration fee of Rs. 50 and write a suicide letter in 250-400 words. The letter "may include a few poetic lines/versus.

However, the letter must not be copied," according to the event's notice. The person with the best suicide letter would have gone home with a cash prize and a certificate.

Ouch! NGO, psychologists condemn the event; raise concerns against it. Issues: Mumbai-based NGO, Sisters Living Works, got the wind of the controversial event and raised concerns against it. "This contest reflects the insensitive views that

the event's organizers have about the individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts," Rimpa Sarkar, clinical psychologist, told media.

She added that the event's timing is also wrong since many suicides take place between February-April, which is the exam time. NGO direc-

bad idea."

Aasra is an organization having a 24-hour hotline helping those who are suicidal and emotionally distressed. Event was introduced eight years ago by previous batch students.

Details: Meanwhile, the organizers of the event have been receiving a lot of

tor feels students should be more responsible.

Idea: Agreeing with Sarkar, Johnson Thomas, Director of Aasra, said, "The students should be a little more responsible. If the idea of the event was to give people a space to vent out their emotions, then it would have made sense. If not, then it's a

flak over their program. However, according to a student from the organizing team, the event has been going on since the festival was first started eight years ago. "Students from previous batches came up with the idea of conducting the event and we decided to continue with it," he said.

University administration does not

monitor students' events and activities.

Leeway: The student further said that they were given the freedom to conduct the event and neither the Shatabadi Boys' Hostel authority nor the university administration keeps a check.

However, on Tuesday, the group announced that they have cancelled the event as they do not want to invite any controversy. A statement regarding this was issued at Udbodhan's Facebook page. Students say they wanted to uncover emotions leading to suicide.

Aim: Further, the students justified their motive saying that they had no intention of desensitizing delicate suicide issues but to "uncover the emotions that lead to them."

"The event's agenda was to educate people about the indicators and common risk factors latent in a depressed brain. This gives us a platform to discuss and deduce strategies that can help reduce suicide rates," the statement read. Suicide is the leading cause of death in India: Study.

According to The Global Burden of Disease Study (1990-2016) published in the Lancet Health Journal, suicide is the leading cause of death in India among people in the age group of 1539. Further, the study revealed that 71.2% of them were women.

MY CITY

The City Standard

Prayagraj, March 04, Monday, 2019

PMA holds another record-breaking event

Over 7K participants came under a roof for world's quickest handprint painting CHIEF REPORTER

paintings. 'Paint My City' campaign is aimed at highlighting various PRAYAGRAJ forms of street art projects pertaining to the following aspects: culturThe Prayagraj Mela Authority al diversity and heritage of UP and added another Guinness record to its kitty on Friday, by managing to assemble over 7,600 people to create a handprint painting based on the theme of 'Jai Gange' in a span of eight hours at the Kumbh Mela area.

Variety is the spice of life!

Inspired by the saying, Prayagraj Mela Authority (PMA) is conducting an array of activities to ensure that Divya & Bhavya (divine & magnificent) not only remain confine to mere sloganeering but turns into reality of the day.

The preparations for the Guinness record attempt started early Friday morning at Ganga auditorium at sector number 1 of the Mela ground. The participants started with putting their palms' impression on the huge canvas as early as 10am and were able to wrap up after eight hours.

The earlier record for the largest number of people gathering to create a handprint painting was made Prayagraj, religious, spiritual and in Yeouido Hangang Park in South scientific connotation of the Kumbh Korea's Seoul on April 15, 2018. and mythological background of the During the previous record, a group Kumbh. The beautiful paintings of 4,675 had participated in the have added aura and splendour to attempt. the ambience around the city.

Under 'Paint My City' camWith the aim of showcasing paign, with the help of more than paintings at global level, Prayagraj 500 artists, 20 lakh sq foot of area Mela Authority under 'Paint My has been painted with beautiful City' campaign organized a program

of hand painting, which kicked off at 10.00 a.m. and concluded at 6.00 p.m. in Ganga Pandal, sector 1.

Nearly 7,600 people including students and volunteers of different

walks of life including foreign tourists, security personnel's, swachhagrahis, common man, kids and elderly participated in the event with enthusiasm.

organizations participated in the event.

The event has created a record of sorts, leaving behind the previous one at Seoul, South Korea in which, 4675 people participated in painting spree. The monitoring of the event was conducted by a team of judges from the Guinness World Records led by Rishinath. People from all

The competition that lasted for nearly 8 hours, witnessed numerous pair of hands and an unparalleled determination, which was the recipe of success for several citizens who had gathered at Kumbh Mela ground on Friday to create a Guinness record by creating the world's quickest handprint painting with 7,664 participants.

How police censored women from clicking Naga sadhus PRAYAGRAJ Nagas in a crisis: What's Maha Kumbh without the Naga sadhus in their naked glory? The sadhus, who belong to ten akharas (collectively called dashnamis), have not disappointed curious visitors at Allahabad. However, behind the boisterousness and exuberance of the Naga sadhus there's a lurking fear: their numbers are dwindling.

Not many new sadhus are joining akharas and there is rampant poaching of sadhus - called murtis - by rival akharas. Numbers are a symbol of status but sadly for many akharas, they cannot muster enough. Some blame it on the spread of materialism in the society and decline in spiritual tendencies.

Whatever the case, at Allahabad many suspect that there are bogus sadhus around, paid to be part of the camps.

"How can a murti carry an erection during a procession? There are many such people this time round" said a worried sadhu. He added that Naga sadhus are trained to be in control of their passion and it's a rigorous training to tame the urges of the mind and the body. Yes, there's a crisis. I have no idea who could help. A city that comes to life once in 12 years Kumbh Mela is a serious affair.

After all, it's about sants, sadhus and spiritual leaders, who can never be frivolous.

However, it's about business opportunities too. The 55-day affair has lured many to abandon their routine work - temporarily though - and look for the moolah here.

Flexibility is the key to business here. Sunil Kumar, a 'deed writer' in Rampur district, sells steaming hot tea to

pilgrims here. Balram uses his four trucks to transport household luggage. He has brought one to pick up garbage from the Mela site. Shivkumar Yadav and Rakesh Yadav have small land holdings and are into farming.

Now they are supervising the sanitary store in the Mela. Not many are making roaring business, but they think whatever they are doing is 'noble deed'. They want to serve 'serve the mother Ganges and earn some goodwill'. It's the punya they are after and they believe their contribution here, in whatever small way, will earn them punya. Maha Kumbh offers great opportunity and and no one wants to miss it.

For men's eyes only Long ago, women were forbidden the view of Naga sadhus at the bathing ghats. The sadhus themselves hated it.

History confirms that during 1954 Kumbh, the sight of a woman infuriated the Nagas so much that one of them took out his spear and poked an elephant, which was part of the procession.

The elephant jumped in pain and ran about. This caused a stampede and thousands were killed. Over time, the Naga sadhus have evolved and shed their inhibition. On Mauni Amavasy day, they not only danced and jumped in joy they also posed for lens women.

In fact, their childlike enthusiasm won the heart of all the shutterbugs.

However, the UP cops do not seem to have grown up. When Nagas came for bath, they pushed all women (mostly journalists) to turn their backs towards the sadhus and also forbade the use cameras. The sadhus are certainly smarter.

SDRF spreading awareness for keeping Kumbh Mela area clean PRAYAGRAJ State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) cleaned Someshwar Mahadev ghat and several other places to spread the message of cleanliness. Additional Police Superintendent, SDRF, Niharika Sharma and deputy police superintendent, SDRF Somnath led the team and cleaned nearly a dozen places to spread awareness about cleanliness among devotees. During the cleanliness drive, sanitation team raised slogans for maintaining hygiene and appealed to visitors to dump garbage in dustbins. Additional Police Superintendent, SDRF, Niharika Sharma said, "The aim of cleanliness drive is being carried out at ghats to spread awareness and motivate people regarding the significance of maintaining sanitation and hygiene."

She asked people to wear mask and gloves to keep diseases at bay.

Removal of garbage from the environment is essential to prevent diseases and illness. People stay healthy by maintaining sanitation and hygiene. She appealed devotees not to throw puja materials into the river.

She said that it is our duty to keep the rivers clean. Government has initiated several measures to keep the rivers and everyone needs to cooperate. She appealed devotees to throw garbage in the dustbins to realize the vision of swachh Kumbh.

The record was the second consecutive one for PMA during the Kumbh Mela. On Thursday, PMA had created the Guinness record for parading the largest number of buses in the world, with a fleet of 503 buses running across a stretch of 3.2 kilometre.

"We have set a new record during the Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh2019 marked the culmination of our 'Street Art Project', launched as part of the 'Paint My City' campaign wherein 20 lakh square feet of walls in the city was revamped with murals by artists," said Kumbh Mela Adhikari, Vijay Kiran Anand.

From group of participants ranged from children as young as four years to elderly moving around with walking sticks, to sanitary members deployed at the Kumbh Mela and college students.

The participants included three members of the 95 battalion of Border Security Force-Chandresh, Mahesh and Prakash-putting their palms' print on the huge canvas.

The painting was created using three colours-yellow, blue and orange.

Representatives from the Guinness World Records closely watched the attempt. The participants were asked to queue up near the canvas. Once they were done with putting the impression of their palms, their hands were stamped to ensure that there is no repetition of participants.

5

Kashmiri student expelled, booked over online post STAFF REPORTER PRAYAGRAJ A Kashmiri student at Allahabad's Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS) was expelled and a case was registered against him late on Thursday for allegedly posting anti-India comments on a social networking website, police said. He was a final year student of BSc (biotechnology).

Superintendent of police (trans-Yamuna), Dipendra Nath Chaudhary, said on the basis of the complaint filed by deputy director (administration) and chief security officer of the university, Jai Narayan Singh, Naini police lodged a first information report (FIR) against the student under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. "Further action will depend on the findings of the investigation. The local intelligence unit (LIU) is also looking into the matter."

Along with the complaint, the SHUATS administration also gave to the police a screenshot of the comment in which the student had posted abuses in Hindi against the country.

The student is on the run, as he has since received threats on social media, and has even been called a "terrorist" while newspapers have described his comments objectionable.

Ahtisham-ul-Hassan, a resident of Shamsipora, Anantnag, is a final year student pursuing B.Sc (hons) Biotechnology at the Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences Allahabad, and was suspended Thursday for his alleged "anti national" comments on Facebook.

One of his close friend on the condition of anonymity told over the phone that he was informally chatting with a college friend and were discussing the political developments in India. "They both agreed to delete the conversation but a third person came in between and took the screenshots and spread them on social media," he said.

He said that many people including activists of Shiva Sena were searching for him. "They even circulated videos on social media asking people to throw him out," he said.

In one of the videos which this corespondent saw, a man can be heard saying that Ahtisham wants to create violence.

"We are apprehensive that he (Ahtisham) can commit a suicide attack like Lethpora attack and we appeal the higher authorities to kick this student from the country," the man can be heard saying.

"When students from the college saw his comments, some of the students tagged the comments with college website which made authorities aware about it and later protests broke out. Later the college authorities called Ahtisham and a meeting of proctorial board was also called by the authorities.

The members of proctorial board started inquiry with the student but the student started refusing his involvement in comments, he was also warned of suspension. Later the student went out of the college and despite searches and calls the authorities have no clue about his whereabouts," said a source.

Sangam of faith giving wings to 'One District-One Product' scheme Exhibition generating new employment avenues & accelerating sales of products STAFF REPORTER

improving quality of products, hiking sales, formulatPRAYAGRAJ ing strategy for skill development of artisans and handiTo ensure balanced eco- craft artists. nomic development across To achieve the desired the state and realize the dream of 'Make in UP', Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath kicked off 'one district, one product' scheme The UP Government's One District-One Product scheme with the aim to encourage such indigenous and specialized products and crafts in UP that are found nowhere else - like the ancient and nutritious 'Kala Namak' rice, the rare and intriguing wheat-stalk craft, world-famous chikankari and zari-zardozi work on aim of this ambitious scheme, clothes, and the intricate and an exhibition showcasing stunning horn-bone work that 'One District-One Product' uses the remains of dead ani- scheme is being organised by mals rather than live ones, a micro, small & medium nature-friendly replacement industry motivation departfor ivory. These products will ment and will remain open be branded in international & for common public from 10 domestic market. The scheme a.m. to 10 p.m. till March. is a giant leap towards gener- The exhibition has become a ating employment avenues, centre of attraction and being

organised under the supervision of Joint Commissioner Industries, Sudhanshu Tiwari. Stalls of 75 districts from across the state have been set up that are exhibiting

exceptional products. The exhibition is witnessing thousands of footfalls on a regular basis and sales off products is witnessing steep hike with each passing day.

For Gorakhpur, terracotta products brought by industrialist Jeevan Lal Prajapati, a resident of Aurangabad is dealing in toys made up of

clay from rivers. His products are selling like hot cakes.

Scent trader from Kannauj, Rajiv Kumar Bajpai claimed that business dealing upto the tune of Rs. 50 lakh have been finalised so far. Trader Nazeeer Beg from Banda, who deals in shazar stone, is elated with skyrocketing sales of the products. Trader from Bahraich, who deals in wheat stalk handicraft product, is smiling all the way with products attracting attention of one & all.

Selfie point has been set up at the main entrance of exhibition.

The ongoing display of products is serving as an excellent platform for conservation, development & improvement of products. It will also generate employment avenues and prevent exodus of unemployed youths from the state.

The exhibition aims to hone & sharpen the skills of artisans and provide them an identity in domestic & international platforms.

200 foregin delegates visit Kumbh Mela

Photos By Saurabh Kumar STAFF REPORTER PRAYAGRAJ Guided by the ancient Indian philosophy of (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam), which means "the world is one family", the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has taken the initiative of inviting one foreign representative from each country of the world to witness the world's largest gathering of humanity, the Kumbh Mela 2019 in Prayagraj.

The delegates, from all walks of life, were nominated by Indian Missions abroad and included senior politicians, social reformers, Yoga practitioners, academicians, artistes, senior bureaucrats, medical professionals etc.

ICCR will also bring out a booklet with the profile of each of these foreign representatives.

Representatives from 190 countries participated in the event. The programme comprised of a day's visit for the foreign representatives on Friday. The participants viewed various sites of Kumbh Mela 2019 in Prayagraj. The arrangements for the visit have been made in collaboration with the Mela Authorities and Government of Uttar Pradesh.

About 200 delegates from various countries accompanied

by Union minister V K Singh visited the Kumbh Mela on Friday.

The minister, who brought 189 delegates from 187 countries to the mela, said its significance has

been enhanced at the global level. "Everyone in the world should know what Kumbh is," he said.

"This initiative is aimed not only to apprise the foreign representatives about India's rich cultural traditions but also to convey India's message of universal brotherhood, peaceful co-existence and global unity to the world," he said while interacting with mediapersons.

Hailing the state and central governments for running successful promotion campaigns for the Kumbh, he said till now, at least 22 crore people have visited the mela and women representatives from Saudi Arabia have also attended the 50-day fair.

When asked whether any repre-

sentative from Pakistan has come here, the minister of state for external affairs said, "There is a Hindu representative, Ramesh Kumar, from Pakistan.

He is also the head of the Sindhi Council."

The minister took a dip in the Sangam with his wife Bharti Singh. He opined that Kumbh is a Sangam of our culture, heritage and sanatan dharma. "Here you can come across unity in diversity. People of different thoughts, sect, caste and creed come here to take holy dip. We want to show the significance of Kumbh, which is an example in the context of management, where 22 crore devotees have already arrived and give boost to tourism of Prayagraj and adjoining dis-

tricts," he said. However, mum was the word for Union Minister, General VK Singh when a reporter posed query about Imran Khan and Mehbooba Mufti. He avoided the question and asked reporters not to discuss anything else except Kumbh.

After the terrorist attack on CRPF personnels at Pulwama in Jammu Kashmir on Thursday, a delegation from Pakistan reached Prayagraj on Friday. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Bajwani, chief of Sindhi Council, the delegate from Pakistan described Kumbh as amazing, unique and magnificient. He said that Kumbh depicts true picture Hindu religion. He said earlier also people from Pakistan have visited Haridwar

and other places. Dr. Ramesh gave message of peace and unity between Pakistan and India. He said in future India will emerge as biggest economy in World. It should be mentioned that after terrorist attack in Pulwama tension gripped both the countries. I want to congratulate the government of India for the way Kumbh is being conducted. I have been here numerous times before but this time I have been called by the government.

On the matter of inviting delegation from Pakistan, Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh said, they are member of Sindhi Hindu community. He further added that being Sindhi Hindu they have been invited by state government.

After the visit to Kumbh Mela 2019, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and the External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj will interact with the representatives on Saturday at the Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra, New Delhi.

Mark Lemti, who was representing Finland, said, "I have come to the Kumbh fair for the first time and the arrangement here is great. Here we are surprised to see that everything is so well-organised." The delegation came here at 9.30 am Friday and Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh greeted the foreign guests at Bamrauli Airport. They were accorded a rousing reception by Commissioner, Dr. Ashish Kumar Goel, IG zone, SN Sabat and other officials.

LIFE STYLE

The City Standard

Yogurt helps in boosting gut health and weight loss NEW DELHI

For the best results consume curd in its natural form or with vegetables or with fresh fruits without any sugar. The yoghurts available in the markets which have different flavours may have up to 20-25% of sugar per 150 ml container, which can lead to unnecessary weight issues for one.

Commercial yoghurts may have gelatin added to thicken the texture and pectin to increase it's shelf life, so it' s advisable to read the lables.

MUMBAI: A glass of milk might not be every one's favourite food but it's tough to come across someone who dislikes to yoghurt or curd, which is the popular name for milk curdled using live bacteria that is part of traditional diets across most of South Asia and the Middle -east.

In India curd has been a staple food for generations now. It is the only fermented food considered sattvic means which is full of live -giving prana, according to Ayurveda texts, which tout it as the nutritional boosts that helps treat disorders ranging from indigestion and fever to anorexia and infertility.

HOW IS CURD MADE? Curd is made when "beneficial" live bacteria (as against that cause disease ) convert milk sugar called lactose into lactic acid, which thickens the milk and gives it the distinctive tart flavour.

Since fermentation breaks down lactose into lactic acid, some people with lactose can eat a little curd without experiencing adverse effects.

As milk is the primary constituent in the curd, it is high in Protein ( 10gm/100gm; one small bowl) and calcium (100gm), and brings with all the nutritional benefits associated with milk, such as prevention of osteoporosis or brittle bone disease. Its high live bacterial content improves gut microbiota, which boosts the immune system, break down potentially toxic food compounds, and synthesise certain Vitamins and amino acids, including Vitamin K and the B Vitamins,

DID YOU KNOW THE PLUS OF YOGHURT?

riboflavin and B 12.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INDIAN CURD V'S GREEK YOGHURT Most types of Indian curds contain higher amounts of calcium than Greek Yoghurt, which typically lose calcium when it's strained to give it a thick and creamy consistency.

A part from the texture, purists insists that curd if different from Greek yoghurt because the latter is made from fermenting milk with specif-

ic starins of bacteria, Lactobacillus, Bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, with lactobacilli and bifidobacteria sometimes added to it.

Curd from India, on the other hand, has been found to contain at least 250 species of lactobacillus bacteria, which explains the wide varieties of natural textures and flavours across the country.

Looking to choose a healthy post-workout snack, decide early Washington A rigorous work out session is almost always followed by an unbearable urge to eat something. The wise choice would be to consume something healthy post-exercise.

While A post-exercise snack can threaten to undo the gains or loss of a workout. According to a recent study, simply committing in advance to a post-exercise snack may increase the odds of eating more nutritiously.

Explaining the study Koehler, lead researcher of the study said, "We found that there was very little research on this very tangible thing that I think everyone can relate to. If your goal is to lose weight, then I would say our findings support that you're better off making the choice ... not when you're hungry after your workout, but instead before you go to the gym."

The team reported its findings in the journal Nutrients.

That recommendation, and the data undergirding it, echoes broader research on the dynamics between timing and food choice. Prior studies have consistently shown that people are more willing to indulge when making immediate dietary decisions than when thinking ahead, said Gustafson, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics.

"Our study confirmed very closely to the ideas in behavioural economics about this presentbiased preference. Using solely that model, I would've predicted that people would be more

likely to choose the healthy snack when choosing before they exercise," Gustafson said.

The study's design also put two other theoretical models to the test. One, known as compensatory eating, suggests that people consume more calorie-dense food in the aftermath of exercise to make up for calories expended during a workout. Yet the other model, exercise-induced anorexia, proposes that exercise can suppress appetiterelated hormones and consequently lead people to eat less.

"There have been a lot of lab studies that have looked at appetite and h u n g e r, " Koehler said.

"Most of these studies have found that right after exercise, you seem to be less hungry. I've always looked at these studies and wondered: Does it have such a strong impact that you can use this window after you exercise to say, 'Because I'm not hungry, I'm going to make a really good choice about what I eat'? But knowing myself and many other exercises, there's also the notion that after you exercise, you want to reward yourself."

Despite the seeming contradiction, the team found indications of both. Though modest, the 6-per cent increase in brownie choice between the pre- and post-exercise groups supported the notion of compensatory eating. And the evidence for exercise-induced anorexia was clear: The 12-per cent fraction that declined a snack in the pre-exercise condition rose to 25 per cent in the post-exercise group.

FOR BEST RESULTS HOW TO EAT CURD?

The biggest health plus point of yoghurt is its boosting gut health, improving absorption and lowers symptoms of diarrhoea, including antibiotic- associated diarrhoea.

Lactobacillus, along with other families of anoerobic good bacteria such as peptostreptococcus, bifidobacterium, and clostridium, flourish in the low oxygen environment in the large intestine and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria by comepting for nutrients and attactchment sites in the gut's mucous membranes, which are the primary site of immune activity and production of antimicrobial proteins. it also protects against the chronic inflammatory bowl diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, Ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease, as well as allergies and H. Pylori infection, which is one of the primary causes of gastroenteritis in India. People with any of these conditions would benefit from eating yoghurt everyday.

Mumbai : Do you all remember what our mothers and grandmothers used to give us? A handful of soaked almonds every day before going to school. We know that these cruncy nuts are an excellent source of plant protein, essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, and Magnesium- all of which are known to improve our overall health But did you know that almonds could also do wonders to your skin, if applied topically? Yes, that's right! As we know that almonds are packed with vitamin E - they help keep our skin hydrated and further make it soft and supple. Moreover, the presence of antioxidants in almonds keeps our skin wrinklefree, young and glowing. But if you are still not convinced, then why don't you try these almond face masks and see the results yourself.

HERE COMES FEW HANDY SIMPLE FACE ALMOND FACE MASKS TO KEEP YOUR SKIN SUPPLE, GLOWING AND YOUTHFUL 1.Almond and milk to remove the hard Tan on your face Ingredients:1 tablespoon almond powder. 2 tablespoon raw milk How to apply: Take a bowl and mix both the ingredients in it. Mix it well till you get a thick-paste like consistency. Now wash your face

Our conception about long term relationship to what is and isn't acceptable has expanded tremendously in recent years.

From consensual non monogamy and polyandry, to blended families and conscious uncoupling, many people have grown more accepting of the idea that till death do us apart and heavily ever after look different for different people. So, why then do long-term partners who choose to sleep in different beds still elicit sad, worried, or judgemental responses? Bed- splitting, it seems, is the ultimate relationship taboo, evoking a distant stoicism suited for the likes of aging British royals, but not dynamic, healthy couples.

Don't you think the idea of couples actually sleeping in separate beds is rather saddening.

There are few couple who actually lived in adjoining houses.

There are plenty of reasons why bed sharing is the norm.

Some people, I presume really do love prolonged spooning despite its obvious pitfalls.

Others face rising rents us expensive cities and have conveniently found that falling in love very often leads to the money-saving step of cohabitation in a single bedroom. Many take the idea of separate beds as a sure sign that physical intimacy has faded-perhaps because of kids, or stress, or

incessant snoring-or suspect of bed-sharing, the whole thing tic, doesnt it? Never mind the one can't admit to sleeping bet- becomes decidedly less roman- fact that studies have shown ter when their better co-sleeping can half is out of town. have a deleterious In reality, co-sleeping impact on sleep has never been a conquality. sistent domestic norm.

A study conducted It likely varied across got to know that the ages, based on tensions inherent space constraints, and in the sleeping the need to stay warm. relationship found In addition, the very that there is a concept of marriage as strong cultural being synonymous association with love and an between being a undying desire to be couple and sharing together is fairly new. a bed. Despite the These days, the pracpossibility of bettices varies across culter sleep elsetures. The National where, couples in sleep foundation congeneral show a dunted its willingness to go International Bedroom along with the pospool, survey results sible disruption found that 82% of associated with American couples sharing a bed. slept in a bed with Humans are generpartner, while just ally reluctant to 63% of Japanese couacknowledge a ples did. universally present For most people i reality of know in late monogamy: longMillennial-hood, the term stability and prospect of ditching roiling passion housemates and savsimply don't go ing money on a onehand in hand. here bedroom apartment is we explain how a compelling enough couples can conreason to give up havfront this truth by ing your own bed. But truth, by develophen you consider that ing a personal inticapitalist and practical macy with oneself pressures are very as a counterbaloften at the root of bed ance to the couple.

MILAN The traditional Italian hat maker Borsalino, whose fedora has defined the rough-andtumble images of Robert Redford, Frank Sinatra and Humphrey Bogart, has a plan to appeal more to women and millennials by pushing into high-end fashion, streetwear and even sportswear.

The recent troubles of the company, which has been rescued financially by a private equity fund, underline the difficulties facing Italian companies, not only fashion brands, seeking scale to stay competitive and grow in the age of globalisation.

Entering new markets, targeting new demographics and expanding retail presence all require cash. And even the best-laid business plan can be complicated by a company's bad baggage, and Borsalino came with plenty of that. The 162-year-old hat maker, arguably Italy's oldest fashion brand, was founded in the northwestern Italian city of Alessandria by Giuseppe Borsalino, whose family sold control decades ago. By the time the Swiss-Italian private equity firm Haeres Equita was approached about investing in 2015, the company had been mismanaged and bled dry by the previous owner.

The company was making 12 million euros (USD13.5 million) in revenues, with profits of between 600,000 euros and 800,000 euros. But it had fallen out of many of the world's big-name department stores, supplying mostly hat-making shops and not keep-

with lukewarm water and apply this mask on your face and neck.

Keep this face mask for about 20 minutes. Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water You may apply this mask on your arms and legs too.

2. Almond, Milk and Grounded Oats Face mask for Natural Glow Ingredients: 2 tablespoons almond. 1 tablespoon grounded Oats. 3 tablespoo raw milk How to apply: Take a bowl and mix all the ingredients in it. Make sure you have a thick paste without any lumps.

Apply this face mask before going to bed. Clean your face with rose water with the help of a cotton ball.

Once you are done with that, apply this mask on your face and let it stay for 20 minutes, or keep it overnight. If you wash your face at night use lukewarm water and apply your night cream after that 3.

Almond, Turmeric and Gram Flour Mask for Instant Glow Ingredients: 1tablespoon almond powder, 2 tablespoon gram flour, 1 tablespoon turmeric How to apply: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to make a thick pasty - like consistency. you may add a little rose water, if you think your mixture is little dry. Apply the face mask all over your face and keep and keep it for about 15 minutes. Rinse it with normal water.

This comes from the creation of Space- Physical, emotional, and intellectual-that belongs only to me. Whether it's sleep, or hobbies, or one's inner emotional world , not everything needs to be revealed. Everyone should cultivate a secret garden.

For me the secret garden requires I regularly have the option of my own bed, one where i can wake up in the morning and enjoy my first few moments of consciousness with the companion of solitude. In that way, separate sleeping - whether it's opting for a two bedroom or investing in a comfortable sofa bed in the living room-is not just about wanting distance from your companion. it's all about if you want to move really close to them willing like how you use to in the beginning early, heady days of dating.

Rather than submitting to a full-scale physical and emotional merger as the only way to show your love. Plus, it's fun to hop into their bed after you wake up.

If one can accept that lovers can stray sexually outside of their relationship and still stay happily committed as partners, then surely we can be openminded enough to accept that separate beds might also be sign of security in a relationship, not of cold distance. And not to mention a much more well-rested couple at that.

6

Revival of classic Italian hats

Almonds face masks for supple skin

Together, yet are you alone !

NEW DELHI

Prayagraj, March 04, Monday, 2019

ing pace with fashion trends.

In recent months, several fashion companies have turned to outside investors to expand.

Versace has been bought by Michael Kors' Capri Holdings Limited as the cornerstone of a new fashion group, while Missoni, Cavalli and Trussardi all recently did deals with private equity investors to get cash infusions.

The marketing power for many of these brands is the 'Made in Italy' tag, viewed as a guarantee of quality in the fashion world.

Borsalino's hats are handmade by 80 workers, many of whom have worked at the factory for decades.

Giuseppe Borsalino's original machinery uses hot water and steam to transform rabbit fur into highly prized felt that is then dyed and molded. A felt fedora can take weeks to finish.

A team of fashion experts including former Gucci CEO Giacomo Santucci has been curated to relaunch Borsalino. The expansion plan foresees selling more in the United States and Asia and developing new collections to appeal to younger generations and to women, two key growth markets.

Borsalino's new looks include corduroy baseball caps with the Borsalino logo prominently displayed, or felt travel hats that roll up neatly.

The goal is to increase annual production from 150,000 hats to 500,000 in five years, still far from the 2 million Borsalino churned out every year during its post-war heyday, when men regularly wore hats.

Is your parenting effecting on kids!

NEW DELHI As a parent, for over decades as witnessed we have adopted various parenting styles all across the globe for nurturing a healthy relationship with their children.

In today's generation, every parent has to work on improving their parenting education as it is the key to help on know that they are raising their children in a helpful way.

It could be considered that how a mother and father elect to raise their children is a personal and private matter. However, practitioners and professionals are dedicated to assisting parents to develop a framework that helps guide their parenting style.

But what is the reason behind a parent getting educated about parenting?

The key is to improve parent's understanding of the cause and effect of a chosen parenting style and provide tips on tailoring this for their individual family environment.

What we know for sure is that the style of parenting matters to a child's development, as childhood experiences have a lasting impact on children all into adulthood.

Some adults believe parenting is all about something that happens only after their child is born; as of this birth they are no mum and dad and parenting will happen innately, in a largely unplanned way of course. One who had experienced parenting will know this better that raising children is very rewarding but also involves times of frustration and uncertainty.

Many parents adopt the parenting style of their own parents or quite the reverse. if they expressly do not want to raise their family the way they were raised.

Here come's the parenting styles Parenting styles are categorized based on two dimensions of parenting behavior:

one is DEMANDINGNESS refers to the extent parents control their children's behavior or demand their maturity. the other is RESPONSIVENESS refers to the degree parents are accepting and sensitive to their children's emotional and developmental needs.

PARENTING STYLES OUTCOMES 1) Authoriative Parenting High demandingness. High responsiveness.

Authoritative Parents have high expectations for achievement and maturity, but they are also warm and responsive.

These parents set rules and enforce boundaries by having an open discussion and using reasoning.

They are affectionate and supportive and encourage independence. This parenting style is also known as the Democratic Parenting Style.

Children of Authoritative parents are: "They appear happy and content.

"They are more independent.

"They achieve higher academic success.

"Develop good self-esteem "Interact with peers using competent social skills "Have better mental health -less depression, anxiety, suicide attempts delinquency, alcohol, and drug use. ".Exhibit less violent tendencies.

2) Authoritarian Parenting High demandingness. Low responsiveness Although authoritarian and authoritative parenting styles have similar names, they have several important differences in parenting beliefs. While both parental styles demand high standards, authoritarian parents demand blind obedience using reasons such as "because I said so" These parents use stern discipline and often employ punishment to control children's behavior.

Authoritarian parents are unresponsive to their children to their children's needs and are generally not nurturning.

Dads are happier parents than moms, finds new study Washington Fathers experience more well-being from parenthood than mothers do, according to a study of over 18,000 people. Past studies have considered whether people with children have greater well-being than those without kids. However, few have considered the relative happiness of fathers and mothers, according to the study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.

Researchers from the University of California (UC) Riverside in the US and colleagues analysed three separate studies totalling more than 18,000 people to determine whether fathers or mothers experience greater happiness from their parenting roles.

Across the three studies, researchers looked at measures of well-being that included happiness, well-being, depressive symptoms, psychological satisfaction, and stress.

"Fathers may fare better than mothers in part due to how they spend their time with their children," said Katherine Nelson-Coffey, who worked in UC Riverside psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky's lab as a graduate student.

The first two studies compared well-being of parents with that of people who do not have children. Across all outcomes measured in the first studies, fatherhood was more fre-

quently linked with greater well-being than motherhood. Relative to peers without children, fathers reported greater satisfaction with their lives and feelings of connectedness to others, and reported greater positive emotions and fewer daily hassles than mothers.

They also reported fewer depressive symptoms than men without children; whereas mothers reported more depressive symptoms than women who don't have children. The third study considered parenthood and wellbeing while engaged in childcare or interacting with children, compared to other daily activities.

Gender significantly impacted the association between childcare and happiness. Men were happier while caring for their children, while women were less happy. In terms of daily interactions generally, both men and women were happier interacting with their children relative to other daily interactions.

However, men reported greater happiness from the interactions than women, said Nelson-Coffey, who is now an assistant professor at Sewanee: The University of the South in the US. One possible explanation for this finding is that, relative to mothers, fathers were more likely to indicate that they were playing with their children, while they were caring for them or interacting with them.

Was told I only belonged to commercial cinema: Madhuri Dixit MUMBAI In her 35th year in Hindi film industry, Madhuri Dixit Nene is content, for she has done films of "all kinds" despite being told that she would be suitable for only commercial cinema and would fail in others.

The actor has featured in blockbusters like "Hum Aapke Hai Koun!", "Saajan", "Dil To Paagal Hai" and has also starred in criticallyacclaimed projects like "Mrityudand", "Lajja" among others.

"From the beginning of my career, I've done different kind of films. But I was always told I should do only commercial films because I belong to that set up, specially when I was doing 'Mrityudand'.

People said I cannot do an art film but I did," Madhuri told PTI. "It may not have been a big hit but people liked me in that space and it gave other's the opportunity to do the same. You need to breakthrough, not only for yourself but for others," she added.

Madhuri said doing the cinema one believes in can often be tricky as one "has to go against preconceived

notions on what a star should be like" .

"You've to keep your head on your shoulders while working in films and keep working with a lot of belief in yourself, without thinking so much about failure or success. You need to push the envelope. If it fails, it's ok. If it works, it gives others the opportunity to do something different. For women it's wonderful to take risks," she added.

Since her comeback to films with "Aaja Nachle" in 2007, Madhuri will be seen in a comedy for the first time with "Total Dhamaal".

The actor said she boarded the project as it gave her the opportunity to do something she hadn't done in a while: let her hair down and submit to an "outlandish, crazy world" of director Indra Kumar's comedy.

"You can't have 'sensibilities' when you're doing a film like this. You've to leave your intelligence behind and just enjoy what you're doing.

Take things at face value and just have fun, without thinking too much.

"There has to be spontaneity when you're doing comedy. You can't hesitate. You have to just go for it. We all did just that: had a blast, laughed a lot while making it and hope it translates on screen," she added.

The film stars Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaffrey, Sanjay Mishra among others.

Esha Deol who retired into matrimonial bliss a few years ago gets a comeback of sorts with this journalist-turned-director/writer Ram Kamal

NEW DELHI

Kangana to direct film on her life, says won't be a 'propaganda' MUMBAI Actor Kangana Ranaut will soon bring her own life story to the big screen as a director and says the project won't be a "propaganda".

With a script penned by "Baahubali" writer KV Vijayendra, who also wrote "Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi", the film will go on floors by the end of this year in October-November.

"My own story is the subject of my next directorial. But it is not a propaganda film with characters who are starkly black and white, rather it is a sincere, heartfelt account of my journey so far with plenty of lighter moments," Kangana said in a statement.

"I'm emboldened by the love of the people around me, who have never judged me but accepted me for who I am," she added.

According to the actor, Vijayendra "urged" Kangana, around 12 weeks ago, to let him write a film based on her life. "I was nervous and wary initially, but then, given his stature and the fact that I trust him implicitly, I gave Vijayendra sir the go-ahead on the project."

Kangana said the film will focus on various aspects of her life but would not name people who have had differences with her in the past. "How can I show my journey without people, I can't be walking alone. But we will not be taking any names. The idea is to protect me and my life with all its highs and lows. "In the end, it is the story of an achiever, a girl from the mountains who came into Bollywood without any connections in the industry or even a godfather, and went on to carve a niche for herself against all odds," she added.

Mukherjee's debut short film effort. narrative is prone to mush around Malhotra, Siddhartha Chatterjee, The narrative encapsulates a woman's rather than be crisp and telling.

Anindita Bose Director: Ram Kamal ambition and how having earned it Cast: Esha Deol Takhtiani, Tarun Mukherjee & Abhra Chakraborty. (by walking away from a mundane marriage) - she may or may not have achieved the satisfaction she desired.

That's the irony I saw in pastry chef Shilpa Sen's(Esha) whimsical half-smile when she gets a Actress Esha Deol Takhtani's endearing short Hindi film Cakewalk (on call from her ex-husband( digital medium) directed by eminent journalist-author Ram Kamal played by Tarun Mukherjee, Malhotra), now a CEO of received a standa major airline, congratu- ing ovation at the lating her for having made premiere from a the pastry of his dreams - galaxy of celeb in celebration of the first guests including anniversary of his second her star-mom marriage, at the 5 star Hema Malini. hotel she, his ex-wife is "I am glad that I employed in. Other than signed the film that one defining moment, immediately after Esha Deol is rather wishy- Radhya was born washy in her role. The and now it's character's motivation releasing, when I doesn't come through am expecting my strongly enough and her second baby," reasons for walking out of enthused Esha the marriage don't seem who walked in valid enough. What comes with her hubby before that is routine hotel Bharat's family. kitchen stuff with brief 'Dreamgirl' Hema reminisces from the past Malini was the cynosure of all eyes, as was her daughter Ahana Deol Vohra filtering through. It's not who came in along with her husband Vaibhav. The screening began with a exactly gripping but minute's silence and tributes paid to the brave ma tyrs of the Pulwama there's a certain poignancy attack by cowards. Post-preview, madame Malini reacted, "It's a beautiful that comes through and brief film, short and sweet,". "Our film 'Cakewalk' also highlights women that's what Ram Kamal empowerment especially focusing on working wives," insisted Esha.

Mukherjee should be Among the celebs who attended the event included Riteish Deshmukh, commended for. The cam- Madhoo, Vidya Balan, Siddharth Roy Kapoor, Raj Nayak, Chef Cheenu erawork is reminiscent of and Sudhanshu Pandey. a big screen glossy and the

Hema Malini loves Esha's 'short n sweet' treat

Opening weekend business of a film is damaging the art of cinema: Swara box office when they were released. Now, when we revisit those films, we call them clasActress Swara Bhasker says the constant sics. I think this system needs to be changed." emphasis on a films box office collection is Swara expressed her views during a session damaging the art of cinewith filmmaker Raj Kumar Gupta ma."The whole system of along with film critics like Rajeev emphasising the opening Masand. ActFest was organweekend business of a ised by the CINTAA film is damaging the (Cine and TV art of cinema. I Artistes' believe there is Association). The no connection two-day festival between the featured popular box office colartists participatlection and the ing in discussions, value of a conducting workfilm or to the shops or giving lecartistic part of tures on various it," Swara said aspects of the art. during a sesTalking about how sion at ActFest. film critics' opinions "I understand played a part in her that cinema is an journey, Swara said: art that involves a "I am grateful to crithuge amount of ics because I started finance and it my career with small demands a steady independent films. economy... But the And when I played business part of a some of the pivotal roles film should not like the one in 'Tanu Weds overpower the Manu' even though that wasn't a core of a cinema lead role, critics repeatedly - storytelling," the mentioned my performance actress said. and according to them I The Veere Di was good." The actress Wedding star feels "somewhere continued: positive reviews "Some of the helped me to cult films were gain visibiliflops at the ty".

MUMBAI

7

“Playing 'Chandragupta' is daunting yet exciting,� says Kartikey Malviya

Esha Deol makes come back with 'Cakewalk' MUMBAI

Prayagraj, March 04, Monday, 2019

Although he is just 14 years old, Kartikey Malviya is already a sensational TV star. Dynamic Malviya made his telly debut on the show 'India's Best Dramebaaz' and eventually was adjudged the Season 2 'Runner-up'.

Later, he bagged the riveting role of young 'Shani Dev' in the TV show 'Karmphaldaata Shani'. Currently, the talented Kartikey is cast in the title-role of the young Chandragupta Maurya in the ongoing hit Sony TV show which is telecast daily in the 8p.m. slot. The Afternoon D&C had an engaging conver-session with the lively Kartikey.

Excerpts: After doing a mytho show, you are now cast in a historical show yet again in a title-role?

Must say, destiny has been kind to me and with my parents' blessings and support from Siddharth Tewary-Sir, I guess I am achieving it all. Mythology and history are two genres that are very challenging because you are bound by the mytho-scriptures and historical research data and home-viewers have a basic awareness about your screen-characters in advance. Which is not so in a fiction show. There is a huge responsibility and accountability on the entire cast and the makers in both genres. In future I am even open to daily soaps and comedy shows to prove my versatility.

What is the 'prep', you went thru for this formidable character?

Besides reading extensively on young Chandragupta's history, I have been trained in horse-riding, sword fighting, bow and arrow (archery) shooting as well as mock physical action-combat.

Then I have been briefed about my style of gait and walking and impactful dialogues-delivery.

How much do you relate with the character?

Chandragupta Maurya being the daring ultimate warrior in history who could never tolerate anything negative about his country or people. By nature, I am also patriotic and love to indulge in daring deeds.

How is your bonding with your coactors, considering they are quite senior to you?

My relationship with Tarun Khanna-Sir (he plays 'Chanakya') is actually like a Guru-Shishya. He knows me since last two years and he has always guided me. Being the youngest on the sets, I am often pampered by all my senior co-stars.. All of us have a lot of fun chilling together, when we are not shooting.

Besides your cell-phone surfing, do you indulge in physical activity to keep fit?

That's right, I love playing games and watching net-shows on my cell-phone. Actually I indulge in physical activities during my shoot only. Playing the character of Chandragupta, I'm mostly doing a lot of running around, shooting for fight sequences and hence a lot of physical activity already takes place.

How difficult was it to shoot for the archery and underwater scenes?

It was quite tough, daunting, yet exciting. I didn't know archery but Tarun-Sir and my creative director taught me the same. But I knew underwater swimming. The entire sequence was shot underwater and the weather was very cold there. Overall, it was great fun shooting for both the sequences

Will Sunil Grover return to 'The Kapil Sharma Show'!

Mumbai: Ever since the fallout between Kapil Sharma and Sunil Grover, there have been many speculations about their alleged relationship. While Grover is no more a part of the ongoing The Kapil Sharma Show, latest reports claim that he will soon be making a return. However, this time he will be one of the guests with Bharat stars Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif.

Readers may recall that Sunil Grover has been shooting with Salman Khan for Bharat. The comedian is expected to play the superstar's best friend in

the film. And now, it is being said that the trio will be guests on one of the episodes of the show. Interestingly, Salman Khan is also the producer of The Kapil Sharma Show.

Speaking of being a part of the new season of The Kapil Sharma Show along with the rest of the team, Sunil had earlier maintained that his Bharat dates apparently clashed with the shoot schedule of this TV show because of which he couldn't return as the cast of the show. On the other hand, Grover branched out with his own show Kanpur Wale

Khuranas and the comedian turned actor had maintained that he could only accommodate this show during his free time.

On the other hand, The Kapil Sharma Show is currently tackling a major controversy after the Pulwama Attacks.

Cricketer turned politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, who is also a part of the show, recently received heavy backlash over his comments on the Kashmir terror attacks that killed 49 CRPF officials. This was followed by news of him being sacked from the show.

'Mere Pyare Prime Minster' is socially relevant project: Rakeysh Omprakash MUMBAI

ence has evolved beyond our seen it as revenge, as there imagination," he added. The should be justice and in the Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra film talks about the need of form of court room dramas. is aware his upcoming Mere Pyare Prime Minster can get politicised owing to its title but the filmmaker insists that the film is a "true blue socially relevant" project with no political angle.

The film chronicles the story of a young slum kid who travels to the capital with his friends to meet the Prime Minister, after his mother is raped.

"It sounds like a political film because of the term 'Prime Minster' but it is a true blue socially relevant film. There's no politics there whatsoever.

It picks up the idea of rape and how we deal with it, the aftermath and the victim," Mehra said. The director, who has helmed films like Rang De Basanti and Bhaag public sanitation through the But here I'm trying to be very Milkha Bhaag, says owing to eyes of an 8-year-old child, close to the victim and seeing the title the film "could get" who vows to make things it from the point of view of an politicised but is assured better after a tragic incident. 8-year-old child. things will change once peo- Mehra says the issue at hand "Getting justice through law ple watch it. is very sensitive and he has and order is there but there's a "It's more of a social message tried to look at it from the psychological damage, a film than a political film. victim's point of view. trauma which the victim goes Looking at the response after "We have seen rape from var- through. How can you erase the trailer, it feels the audi- ious point of views. We have that and carry on with your

life. The film looks at that." don'ts for me. Don't insult the Mere Pyare Prime Minister slums and the people down stars Anjali Patil, Om there or look down at them and have the so-called western perspective on a third world. Not show them as persecuted all the time. There's a celebration of life there and we should respect them. "I was very nervous about that.

That I shouldn't disrespect another human being because he or she is living in a slum.

There's more bonding, caring in the neighbourhood." The director shot the film on real locations with no sets and was constantly aware he was "invading their lives" and had to be more respectful.

"We cast from the slums.

Everything was on real location and we built no sets, even for the home. So how do you shoot a whole film without completely disturbing them? But they were Kanujiya and Atul Kulkarni, extremely cooperative. among others. Mehra, who "They were going about their has previously helmed big work while I was shooting. scale films like Mirzya, Rang There were announcements De Basanti, says he had to be made that 'do whatever you conscious of his cinematic want to do, but don't look into gaze while talking about a the camera!' Their contribustory such as this set in tion to the film is amazing." slums.

The film is scheduled to "There were lots of do's and release on March 15.

CMYK

CMYK

ENTERTAINMENT

The City Standard

SPECTRAUM

The City Standard

The war among ants MANEKA GANDHI NEW DELHI We are lucky that the 13,000 ant species, discovered till now, are small.

Even if they were the size of cats, they would be the rulers of the universe by now, would have discovered ways to reach Mars, and colonise the moon, would have solved any mathematical or gravitational problems, would have built weapons without metal etc.

I simply love ants. I find them exactly like human beings, with all our awful instincts and yet deadly precision and efficiency with no waste.

We have everything in common. Like people, ants have often fought over food and territory. But ants began fighting with each other, or other nests of their own species, or other species, long before humans: at least 99 million years ago, according to a fossil insect expert in the Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University-Newark published online in the journal Current Biology. In Mark Moffett's Book, 'Adventures Among Ants', he writes about the territorial disputes between two huge colonies of Argentine ants in California. Along the front line literally millions of ants die every month in what is a never-ending struggle. Even Charles Darwin wrote about human like conflicts between ants.

Here are some similarities: The Florida ant (Formica archboldi) decorates its nest with the skulls of its enemies, the trap jaw ants. But trap jaw ants are bigger, have stingers and mouths that close like bear-traps and have a special feature - they can catapult to freedom when attacked. How does the much smaller archboldi do it?

A study published in the journal Insectes Sociaux reveals that F archbol-

di possesses acid spraying nozzles and attacks its quarry with quick sprays of toxic acid. They cut off the heads of their victims and take them back as trophies. But first they hide themselves within the trapdoor ants by producing a waxy layer of scent that matches the smell of the trap door ant perfectly!

known instance of insects moving prey by forming chains. Bluish Leptogenys ants drag huge millipedes in Phnom Kulen National Park, Cambodia. Each ant bites on a constriction on the abdomen of the ant ahead of it, while the first ant bites tight on the millipede's antenna. Walking backwards, the ants

Chemical cues are vital to ants. While ants have eyes, they rely on scents to follow their nest mates to food, identify friend from foe.

However, archboldi ants have their own problems. Polyergus ants kidnap and brainwash entire colonies of F archboldi. In fact, they are known as pirate /kidnapper ants and their modus operandi is as follows: The kidnapper ant queen identifies an archboldi ant colony. She sneaks in, murders the queen, and then bathes in her blood.

She takes her place, using this new scent to avoid detection and pumps out a bunch of eggs inside the archboldi nest. These hatch into polyergus workers who capture the rest of the nest.

Researchers have documented the first

heave the millipede away. Other ants form chains too, but the Leptogenys ants are the first insects known to move prey by making long chains.

The big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala) colonies have soldier ants with disproportionately large heads and giant jaws which they use to attack other ants and cut up prey. According to the Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, big-headed ant soldiers grow larger when they encounter other ants that know how to fight back. If their prey is not aggressive the ants remain the same size. But if they encounter competitors in the local area they can grow to three times their size. Genetic analysis shows that the size variation is not the result of long-term evolutionary

Beware of this malware New delhi: Global cybersecurity company Palo Alto Networks has discovered a malware that is capable of stealing saved usernames and passwords in Google Chrome, saved credit card credentials in Chrome and iPhones text messages if backed up to a Mac. The malware named CookieMiner is capable of stealing browser cookies associated with mainstream cryptocurrency exchanges and wallet service websites visited by the victims.

It steals saved passwords in Chrome and iPhone text messages from iTunes backups on the tethered Mac. "By leveraging the combination of stolen login credentials, web cookies and SMS data, based on past attacks like this, we believe the bad actors could bypass multi-factor authentication for these sites," researchers noted.

If successful, the attackers would have full access to the victim's exchange account and/or wallet and be able to use those funds as if they were the user themselves.

The malware also configures the system to load coin mining software on the system.

Web cookies are widely used for authentication. Once a user logs into a website, its cookies are stored for the web server to know the login status.

If the cookies are stolen, the attacker could

potentially sign into the website to use the victim's account.

Stealing cookies is an important step to bypass login anomaly detection. If only the username and password are stolen and used by a bad actor, the website may issue an alert or request additional authentication for a new login.

However, if an authentication cookie is also provided along with the user name and password, the website might believe the session is associated with a previously authenticated system host and not issue an alert or request additional authentication methods.

Most modern cryptocurrency exchanges and online wallet services have multi-factor authentication.

CookieMiner tries to navigate past the authentication process by stealing a combination of the login credentials, text messages and web cookies.

"If the bad actors successfully enter the websites using the victim's identity, they could perform fund withdrawals," said the researchers. Apple's Safari is not the only web browser targeted. Google Chrome also attracts the threat actors' attention due to its popularity. "Cryptocurrency owners should keep an eye on their security settings and digital assets to prevent compromise and leakage," the report suggested.

change. It is simply a uniquely quick response (within 60 days) to a new environment.

Trap jaw ants train to fight by holding antenna boxing bouts. These bouts also establish levels of dominance within the nest. This antennal "boxing," involves striking one another with their antennae, to determine which of the worker ants stay in the nest and which go out to forage. Entomologists at the University of Illinois, whose findings are in the journal Insectes Sociaux, counted how rapidly four species pummelled their opponents during antenna-boxing bouts.

The speeds ranged from 19.5 strikes per second for Odontomachus rixosus, from Cambodia, to a blazing-fast 41.5 strikes per second for Odontomachus brunneus, of Florida. Trap-jaw ants are the fastest boxers ever recorded.

Terrorists and Colbopsis Explodens ants from Borneo have the same suicidal strategies, according to the study published in the journal ZooKeys. When confronted by another insect, they actively burst their body walls and release a sticky, toxic substance that can repulse or even kill the enemy. The workers die in the attack too.

Army ants send out a huge raiding party that sweeps through the forest. If they find the swarm raid of another army ant nest they either ignore each other: the two huge swarm parties pass through each other almost as if the other did not exist. Or both colonies retreat in opposite directions, away from each other.

But if they find another species of ants, like Leafcutter ants, they attack, even if it is a very large colony. Soldiers of both species line up and engage in absolutely cataclysmic battles that go on for days before the army ants finally break through the defence and go down to the leaf-cutter nest and pillage the brood.

A beautiful German proverb says, "Pray as though no work would help, and work as if no prayer would help." This saying is referring to two different types of people. One group prays for help from God, but in a half-hearted manner. Another group feels that when things go wrong or they want something, they should merely pray to God and do nothing else. This proverb is trying to bring about a balance between these two groups of people.

The first part of the proverb says that we should pray as if no work would help. In this kind of prayer, we are focusing all our attention on God. All our being is immersed in the prayer. It is as if we became the prayer itself. When we pray with such intensity and single-

mindedness, God cannot ignore us.God knows when our prayers are sincere and we are truly crying for God. God knows when we are in pain and truly want help.

However, if we are merely halfhearted in our prayer, then God may or may not respond. That is why it is said that when a seeker is truly yearning for God, God hears it and will help that seeker find a way back to God. Similarly, there is a saying, "God hears the sincere cry of an ant sooner than the trumpeting of an elephant." This is instructing us that if we have a

deep prayer for something, we should pray with our whole heart, soul, and mind as if no work would help us achieve what we want.

Then, our prayer will bear fruit.

The second part of the proverb is that we should work as if no prayer would help. This is addressed to those who would

8

Obedience to the past is disorder J KRISHNAMURTI Except perhaps in nature, when you look around, you see that there is much misery, confusion and violence. If man had set out deliberately to bring about chaos in the world, he could not possibly have succeeded as much as the present actual state of destruction, hatred and anarchy. This is the result of the lives, attitudes, values and superstitions of past generations.

You often hear that the future is in the hands of the younger generation. Is this so? Or is it that younger generations are also so heavily conditioned by the past - of which they may not be conscious at all - that they revolt only superficially against the established order? This superficial revolt gives them a certain vitality and freshness which is mistaken for a new beginning. Every generation has been more or less in revolt against the past, but they are soon trapped by the past, by the society, culture in which they have lived. Every one of us has to think, act and live in a totally different way that is not based on aggression, acquisitiveness and the predatory instinct that man has inherited.

This revolution is not in the social or economic field but at a much greater depth; it is in the very structure of human consciousness. So, the crisis is not one of youth against former generations, or one religious formula against another, or one country against another, but at the very root of our being. The decision is whether we continue with the past or find a way of living in which conflict in any form does not exist.

To find a new way of life, order is necessary.

Order is not imitation or acceptance of a pattern as a way of life. It is not obedience to a higher authority, whether that authority is outer or inner. Order is not conformity either to a way of life established through tradition or to a way of life cultivated for oneself.

All such order is essentially a form of acceptance of conformity. Order cannot possibly exist when there is fear; fear and disorder go together. The social structure in which we live, by its very nature, produces this disorder. It is this disorder that we are frightened of‌ our so-called morality is no more than adjustment to disorder.

When we talk of order, we mean a state of mind that is the natural outcome of understanding the actual nature of disorder. It is not the cultivation of a new pattern or system to be followed; rather, it is seeing the nature of disorder and its dan ger‌.

Freedom does not come from discipline as it is generally understood, which is to conform, to suppress, to obey, and so on. Discipline means learning. So, you have to become a disciple of freedom; and there is no guru to tell you what freedom is. So, order is possible only when there is learning about freedom. This learning is the continuation of freedom in action. So, authority comes to an end. Of course, there must be the authority of the policeman and the law, but there is no other authority. For freedom, which is order, cannot exist in the shadow of authority, whether it is the authority of tradition or the authority that one has gathered through experience and knowledge. Authority is always the past, and obedience to the past is disorder.

How many believers are there around the world?

NEW DELHI If you think religion belongs to the past and we live in a new age of reason, you need to check out the facts: 84 per cent of the world's population identifies with a religious group. Members of this demographic are generally younger and produce more children than those who have no religious affiliation, so the world is getting more religious, not less - although there are significant geographical variations.

According to 2015 figures, Christians form the biggest religious group by some margin, with 2.3 billion adherents or 31.2 per cent of the total world population of 7.3 billion. Next come Muslims (1.8 billion, or 24.1 per cent), Hindus (1.1 billion, or 15.1 per cent) and Buddhists (500 million, or 6.9 per cent).

The next category is people who practise folk or traditional religions; there are 400m of them, or 6 per cent of the global total. Adherents of lesser-practised religions, including Sikhism, Baha'i and Jainism, add up to 58m, or well below 1 per cent. There are 14m Jews in the world, about 0.2 per cent of the global population, concentrated in

the US and Israel.

But the third biggest category is missing from the above list. In 2015, 1.2 billion people in the world, or 16 per cent, said they have no religious affiliation at

biggest group with almost 1.3 billion adherents), Protestants, Eastern Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Anglican or many other sub-denominations.

Muslims might be Sunni (the majority),

all. This does not mean all those people are committed atheists; some - perhaps most - have a strong sense of spirituality or belief in God, gods or guiding forces, but they don't identify with or practise an organised religion.

Almost all religions have subdivisions.

Christians can be Roman Catholic (the

Shia, Ibadi, Ahmadiyya or Sufi.

Hinduism has four main groups: Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism and Smartism. There are two main traditions in Buddhism - Therav?da and Mahayana, each with subgroups. Jews can be Orthodox (or ultra-Orthodox), Conservative, Reform or belong to

Balance your prayers and work NEW DELHI

Prayagraj, March 04, Monday, 2019

sit back and pray but not make any effort to attain what they want. Many people take prayer as an excuse not to put in any effort.

We should work as hard as we can to fulfil our duties as if no prayer would help. In this way, we would be fulfilling our responsibilities to ourselves, our family, our communities, and our world.

We would be of use and of service to others.

Then, after putting in our best effort, if we find we still do not succeed, then we can pray with

all our heart, soul, and mind for help.Spirituality is the path of positive mysticism. We come into this world with certain karmas that must be paid off. As part of our karmic debt we may have to support our family, we may have a certain role or job that we have to fulfil in this lifetime, and we have a collective responsibility to our society.

We cannot shirk that duty to sit on a mountaintop meditating all day and hoping that God will provide for us. We need to spend time in meditation while also doing our duties allotted to us in life. Thus, when God sees we have put in our best efforts, and then when all else fails we turn to the Lord, God will take notice. However, if we merely sit back, relax, and expect God to do everything for us, that will not happen.

smaller groups.

Geography is important in religion. AsiaPacific is the most populous region in the world, and also the most religious. It is home to 99 per cent of Hindus, 99 per cent of Buddhists, and 90 per cent of those practising folk or traditional religions. The region also hosts 76 per cent of the world's religiously unaffiliated people, 700m of whom are Chinese.

Three-quarters of religious people live in a country where they form a majority of the population; the remaining quarter live as religious minorities. For example, 97 per cent of Hindus live in three Hindu-majority countries: India, Mauritius and Nepal, while 87 per cent per cent of Christians live in 157 Christian-majority countries. Threequarters of Muslims live in Muslimmajority countries. Among the religiously unaffiliated, seven out of 10 live in countries where they are in the majority, including China, the Czech Republic and North Korea. In contrast, most Buddhists (72 per cent) live as a minority in their home countries. There are seven countries where Buddhists form the majority of the population: Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Tigress Sundari to be released into Odisha's Satkosia reserve again ANGUL The Royal Bengal tigress Sundari, which is currently kept in a special enclosure after she killed two people, will be released into the wild of Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary for the second time in Odisha's Angul district.

The State Forest Department has started the process to release the big cat into the wild after it was kept in the enclosure for over two months.

The move was taken following the directive of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

The Forest Department has roped in some Kumki (trained) elephants to keep an eye on the movement of the tigress in the Satkosia reserve.

On Tuesday, a trained (Kumki) female elephant Yashoda from Godibari area in the Chandaka

sanctuary, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, was shifted to Satkosia in a truck, said a senior Forest Department official said.

Sundari will be released from the enclosure into the wild after few more Kumki elephants reached Satkosia sanctuary, he added.

Notably, after more than a fortnight of intense chase, experts on November 6 managed to tranquilise Sundari, following residents nearby the Satkosia reserve resorted to arson demanding the capture of the big cat.

Sundari, a two-and-a-half-yearold Royal Bengal tigress, was brought from Bandhavgarh in June last year in a first-of-its-kind inter-state transfer project to increase Odisha's tiger population.

She was then released into the Satkosia reserve.

The relocation project is a joint initiative of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, the Wildlife Institute of India and the NTCA.

Why some millennials are quitting Facebook MUMBAI In July, more than a decade after joining Facebook, Mumbai-based event manager Jason Menezes decided to delete his account. It was a big move for the 30-yearold because, like most people in his generation, he got on to the social network bandwagon in his teens and spent a chunk of his life there, broadcasting his first love, his first job, breakup and several parties to a multitude of friends.

Over the last couple of years, however, Menezes had been feeling overwhelmed by the way the network required his attention.

He would log on multiple times a day, check notifications during most of his breaks, comment on most posts, engage with people, put down his thoughts at least twice a day. He felt obsessed, almost like the platform had taken over his life. He wanted to quit, but, each time, a notification would take him back, and he would end up scrolling endlessly. "Time flows differently in the virtual world," says Menezes, "as there are multiple things that happen simultaneously, a multitude of people saying things. You find interesting facts or information and before you know, your whole day is gone. I was addicted," he says.

A study published in December in the

Journal Of Behavioral Addictions established a parallel between symptoms of substance use and behavioural addictive disorders to symptoms of excessive use of the social network. "The social network uses various behavioural techniques, like building up a need to validate through likes, fear of missing out, and making your status temporary-all this to create a need for you to return quickly to the network to keep engaging," says Venkatesh Babu, consultant psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru. The result is that it's hard to quit, and, when you try to, you face withdrawal symptoms and often relapse into scrolling despite your decision. "If the network makes you anxious, irritable, or you miss out on your work or spending time with family, take it as a warning," says Dr Babu.

Hard to quit A survey by Tufts University, US, published in December in the journal PLOS ONE, found that Facebook users would require an average of more than $1,000 (around ?70,000) as an incentive to deactivate their account for one year. That's the value decided by students who were interviewed.

Though it took him multiple failed attempts, Menezes is glad he left the network. "I have more time in my day and a

much larger sense of peace as I control the amount of information that comes into my life," he says, adding that leaving the network has reduced the stress and anxiety in

according to the researchers of the study.

"We are driven by the fear of missing out," says Dr Babu, "forcing us to use Facebook to overcome our anxious states and creating

his life.

What Menezes felt was echoed in a 2017 study that was published in The Journal Of Social Psychology. A lot of people find the endless supply of social information on the network taxing, and even a five-day break from Facebook can reduce stress levels,

pressure on us to respond quickly."

The urge to constantly update himself about others and being unable to control his reactions made Apoorva Kulkarni, a Delhibased teacher, quit Facebook earlier in 2018. "Facebook is a tool for legalized voyeurism and I was just tired of reading

what's happening in other people's lives. I didn't want my life dependent on others," says the 36-year-old, who followed her husband in quitting the social network owing to information overload. The other thing that worried her was the use of her personal information.

Privacy is the key Over the last few years, Facebook has been in the news for the insidious ways-the latest being the 10-year photo challenge-it has been collecting personal information about users and sharing it with third-party advertisers, leading people to rethink the information they share with the social network.

A survey published in September, conducted by Washington-based Pew Research Centre, found that 54% people have adjusted their privacy settings recently, while 42% of the 4,594 respondents said they took a break from checking the platform for several weeks or longer.

Concerns about private data sharing have made Mumbai-based travel writer Vishakha Dinkar Shirke think about quitting Facebook too. "I've started with less engagement and spending less time posting and commenting. I'll quit the network in the first half of this year," she says. What makes a lot of users like Shirke, who work in creative fields, hesitate when it comes to quitting is that the network is an important

tool for their careers. Shirke says she discovers what people are talking about or what the latest trends are through the network.

Kulkarni acknowledges missing out on updates about colleagues. "I'm not great on the phone, so I don't get updates on the lives of colleagues and my loved ones, like I used to on Facebook. I sometimes feel out of place in social gatherings as everyone knows things that I don't," she says.

However, the gains for her-less stress and a feeling of calm-are much more valuable.

Menezes says he can focus more on his work. "The network was a powerful way to meet people from work, school and college.

I won't be able to get in touch with them any more since I've lost their contacts. It was also a great way to reach an audience and find new people for various projects," he says. These are things he won't be able to do any longer. However, the benefits of leaving the platform are more important to him.

"I can focus on my work more and control my visibility and presence in social occasions. I feel in control," he says. When he feels the urge, there's always Instagram, which he feels is way less intrusive for millennials. For one, as you don't need to interact with people there-also, your parents have not yet discovered it.

BUSINESS

The City Standard

How GST rate reduction will impact property prices NEW DELHI Mumbai: In its 33rd meeting held on 24 February 2019, the Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council recommended rationalisation of GST rates on real estate.

The cut is in line with industry expectation. Once accepted and included in the official gazette, GST would be charged at an effective rate of 5% on the total value of non-affordable under-construction properties (property costing ?45 lakh and above), which would be 7 percentage points less than the earlier effective rate of 12%. However, in case of low-cost or affordable housing, GST would be charged at an effective rate of 1%, down from the current 8%. Here is how the new GST rate will impact property prices.

How is GST charged?

For tax purposes, the process of buying an under-construction property was seen as paying for a service from the builder of a project. Earlier, this attracted service tax. But since GST got implemented, it replaced service tax in these transactions.

A completely built property has been kept out of the GST regime and a buyer need not pay any GST for it.

At present, if a non-affordable underconstruction property is bought, the transaction attracts GST at 18% on twothirds of its value, which effectively comes to 12% GST (on total value) with full input tax credit (ITC). ITC helps a business reduce the GST amount it has paid on inputs or raw material from the amount of GST it has to deposit on the output. This credit is passed on to the buyers. Similarly, in case of affordable under-construction property, GST is charged at 12% on two-thirds of its value , which effectively means 8% with

full ITC. One-third of the value is considered to be the cost of land and, thus, not considered for GST. Besides GST, the buyer has to pay stamp duty and registration fee on a property.

Stamp duty is levied by respective state

struction property. In its meeting on 24 February, the GST Council said, "There are reports of slowdown in the sector and low off-take of under-construction houses which needs to be addressed. To boost the residential segment of the real

governments and usually varies between 5% and 8% across the country. This means that you have to pay an additional about 20% of the property value in GST and other fees when buying a house. Homebuyers as well as developers have been asking the government to reduce GST on residential properties.

While GST rate was rationalised for affordable housing project earlier from 18% to 12% (effective 8%), it was not good enough.

Rate cut Continuous slowdown in the sector and the government mission of Housing for All by 2022 has led to further reduction in GST on under-con-

estate sector, we made the recommendation to reduce the rates."

Based on the GST Council's recommendations, now an effective GST rate of 5% will be applicable on the value of a non-affordable under-construction property, and not 18% on two-thirds of its value. Similarly, the new effective rate of 1% will be charged on the entire value of a property in affordable group categories instead of 12% on two-thirds of its value. It is not clear whether the new GST rate are flat or there are abetment for land cost.

Besides rationalising the GST rate, the government issued a clarification on the

properties that can be considered as affordable housing both in metro and non-metro cities. The Council said, "A residential house or flat of carpet area of up to 90 sq.mtr (about 970 sq.ft) in nonmetropolitan cities or towns and 60 sq.mtr (646 sq.ft) in metropolitan cities having value up to ?45 lakh (both for metropolitan and non-metropolitan cities) will be considered as affordable housing unit." Metropolitan cities include Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi NCR (limited to Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, Faridabad), Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai (whole of MMR). Will the cost come down?

Though the GST Council has recommended a rate cut, it also restrained developers from claiming ITC on various raw materials like cement, steel etc.

As explained, developers used to claim ITC, bringing down their cost. But with developers not being able to claim the ITC, will the overall cost change?

"Developers will be burdened with GST payments to vendors, suppliers, agencies and contractors and this will land up increasing the cost further amid the already shrinking margin in business due to dynamic policies implemented by government," said Parth Mehta, managing director, Paradigm Realty, a real estate developer. Prices of the apartment will start looking northwards if developers lose ITC, said Om Ahuja, chief operating officer, residential business, K Raheja Corp., a real estate developer.

Kapil Sharma, partner, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan Attorneys agreed. "For buyers, prices may not actually reduce (after GST reduction) as the developers would not take hit of the tax cost which is incurred on the goods/services and such cost would form part of the price of the unit," he said.

General insurance merger plan hits new roadblock NEW DELHI The government's plans for the mega merger of three general insurance firms to create one large and strong entity seems to have hit a roadblock.

The Department of Financial Services (DFS), which oversees the operations of state-owned insurance firms, has written to the DIPAM not to proceed with the merger plan in haste and let it examine the proposal afresh and untangle complex operational issues first.

The fresh impediment has already removed the merger plan from this year's disinvestment calendar prepared by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). Sources now say that with the Finance Ministry raising fresh concerns, it would be difficult for the merger plan to go through even next year when a new government comes in at the Centre.

The government had announced the merger of three public sector general insurance firms: National Insurance Company, United India Insurance Company and Oriental India Insurance Company, in Budget 2018. The move was billed as the biggest ever merger in the insurance sector with the new entity having a valuation exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore. It intended to complete the exercise in FY19 itself.

"The DFS is concerned that a merger without looking at the exercise from different angles could lead to problems for the new entity emerging from the coming together of three general insurance firms. Besides, there are also issues of further cutting losses and making operations of companies efficient and low cost. These have been highlighted by the DFS in its letter that virtually stalls the process and seeks more time to complete the merger," said an official source privy to the development.

"The proposed merger of the three state-owned general insurance firms will happen only in the next fiscal now. Even this could be delayed if the tasks identified by the DFS are to be implement-

ed and observed in detail." Though the government hoped that the financial position of general insurance firms would improve before commencing the merger, the plan has not moved on the desired lines. In the quarter ended September last year, the three insurers had posted a combined loss of around Rs 1,800 crore. Moreover, a few of the insurance firms have also lost market share.

Besides financial issues, officials maintain that a thorough review of HR practices across the three firms is also needed before any merger could be considered. This is important as a combined entity could clock growth only if synergies are built.

Right now there are no synergies and commercial interest of each company is clashing with others.

Rather than strengthening operations, state-run general insurance companies have gone deeper into the red this year.

Oriental had posted a loss of Rs 240 crore in the second quarter of this fiscal, against a profit of Rs 200 crore in the July-September quarter of 2017.

The companies' market share has also fallen with market share of National Insurance Company with respect of gross direct premium till December 2018 fell to 8.63 per cent. United India Insurance share also came down by around 4.88 per cent.

"There is need to bring down the losses of insurance firms further before any merger and subsequent listing is considered. The idea of the exercise is to create a larger and stronger entity and not one that remains weak and unable to take competition," said a sector analyst not willing to lend his name.

As part of the strengthening exercise, the government has also directed the firms to undertake monetising their assets including real estate to raise revenues. It is expected that some capital support will also come from the Centre as there is also a plan to list the merged entity. In 2017-18, the Centre had listed National Insurance and General Insurance Company, divesting 11.65 per cent and 12.5 per cent stakes respectively.

CMYK

India proposes new e-commerce regulations with focus on data rules NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: India outlined a new draft policy for its burgeoning e-commerce sector Saturday, focusing on data localisation, improved privacy safeguards and measures to combat the sale of counterfeit products.

The proposed overhaul, which would likely increase operating costs for the sector, comes two months after the country modified regulations governing foreign direct investment in e-commerce. That forced retail giants Amazon.com Inc and Walmartowned Flipkart to restructure their Indian operations, and the latest reforms spell further upheaval.

"In the future, economic activity is likely to follow data," the widely expected draft policy document said. "It is hence vital that we retain control of data to ensure job creation within India". The new rules call for the housing of more data centres and server farms locally, amid a broader push for data localization by the South Asian nation, which is one of the world's fastest-growing online markets.

India's central bank in 2018 forced payments providers such as Mastercard and Visa Inc to store Indian users' data locally.

"Steps will be taken to develop capacity for data storage in India," the draft e-commerce rules said. "A period of three years would be given to allow industry to adjust to the data storage requirement."

Flipkart and Amazon said they were going through the draft rules and will share their inputs with the government.

The proposed rules also seek the creation of a "legal and technological framework" that can help impose restrictions on the cross-border flow of data generated by users, moves that may affect not just e-commerce platforms but also social media firms such as Alphabet Inc's Google and rival Facebook Inc. India also plans to mandate all e-commerce firms to provide access to their data stored abroad whenever official requests are made. The rules, which come at a time New Delhi is working on a broader data privacy law, also forbid companies from sharing data stored abroad with other businesses even with user consent.

Prayagraj, March 04, Monday, 2019

India to get 5G by 2021, ban on certain vendors won't delay roll out : Nokia to ban Huawei, but allowed the company to take part in 5G trials.

Finnish telecom gear maker Nokia said the ban on Indian telecom operators are purchasing equipcertain vendors being discussed in and around ments from all vendors active in the market - a strategy that Suri said leads to increase in price.

Europe will not delay its 5G rollout plan.

The company's CEO Rajeev Suri said that after "Multi-vendor idea is a bad idea," Suri said, leading markets like the US, South Korea, China, adding that purchase from single vendor can emerging markets including India, Latin America, lower cost of ownership by 30 per cent and and certain developed markets will see roll out of enhance network rollout rate by 45 per cent. the next generation technology by 2021, where million of trade secrets will flow on the network; and security will be a top priority for businesses.

Addressing concerns over certain vendors being held back, and 5G rollout being stalled leading to increased cost, Suri said, "Bluntly, the fact just do not support the claim. After all, 5G is an ecosystem. It is not a copyright".

There have been reports that the ban on Chinese vendor Huawei may lead to rise in cost of 5G ser- "Let us be clear, cheaper is not always better.

Better is better. When it comes to network secuvices and delay roll out of network.

Certain countries have blocked purchase of 5G rity, better really matters," he asserted. equipment from Huawei. According to third party He said security will be top priority when 5G serreports, the Chinese firm has taken lead over its vices are rolled out. rival in getting highest number of patents that will "This is one area like ethics where we cannot be required for 5G services, and cited attempt to compromise‌ Many enterprises will rely on block purchase if its equipment due to global pol- operators for providing network for critical functions. Essential trade secrets will flow over those itics rather than security concerns.

"No single company decides how and when it networks," Suri said. According to Nokia Bell (5G) develops; and its deployment is not depen- lab study, business opportunity for telecom from dent on any one company. It certainly seems 5G technology is expected to double from USD sounds illogical to me to suggest that Nokia can 500 billion to USD 1 trillion by 2028, and it will meet requirements of the US, but cannot meet enable productivity growth to historical levels. needs of European countries," Suri said here "Between 2028-33, similar gains will be seen in the US as experienced in 1950s in the range of Sunday.

According to Nokia, 5G is expected to deliver 25 30-35 per cent. Not just the United States, China times faster speed of 1 gigabit per second com- and India could see similar productivity gains," pared to 4G. Suri said that according to Nokia Suri said. He added that Internet of Things techBell lab study, countries like India which have nology will be a critical factor to drive growth in seen skirmishes with China, haven't taken stand 5G business.

BARCELONA

Corporate governance in family businesses Rishabh Shroff/Saloni Shroff

India's forex reserves rise by USD 150 mn

Mumbai: India's foreign exchange (forex) reserves increased by USD 150.2 million during the week ended February 15, official data showed, Saturday.

According to the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) weekly statistical supplement, the overall forex reserves rose to $398.27 billion from $398.12 billion reported for the week ended February 8.

India's forex reserves comprise of Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs), gold reserves, special drawing rights (SDRs) and India's position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

On a weekly basis, FCAs, the largest component of the forex reserves, edged higher by $88.9 million to $371.07 billion. Besides the US dollar, FCAs consist of 20-30 per cent of other major global currencies.

The RBI's weekly data showed that the value of the country's gold reserves rose by $78.2 million at $22.76 billion.The SDR value inched down by $7.8 million to $1.45 billion, while the country's reserve position with the IMF declined by $9.1 million to $2.98 billion.

Mumbai: Corporate governance is a key area of focus for many stakeholders today. There has been a significant rise in its importance, owing to very public, messy scandals in blue chip companies such as Satyam, as well as efforts by regulators to ensure strict investor and minority protection. This culminated in the Securities and Exchange Board of India constituting the Uday Kotak Committee on corporate governance, which delivered its report in October, 2017. Many of its reforms come into effect on 1 April, aiming to break the nexus between promoters and their companies.

Another underlying theme was to achieve an independent and wholesome board. Even before the report, many Indian promoter companies had begun to improve their corporate governance and, hence, these reforms were not a surprise for them.

For example, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd has shown great initiative by relying on both external search firms and internal referrals to identify potential independent directors. Marico Ltd has customized its CEO's performance metrics to include addressing succession planning.

Potential successors have been invited to attend board meetings for exposure to the work culture of the company. Such transparency was unthinkable for promoter companies even a few years ago.

With some amendments coming into effect on 1 April 2019 such as appointment of female inde-

pendent directors and a minimum number of directors, it is important to see how the reforms will change the board of a family business. In India, many family businesses have been inducting women from the promoter family into their business. Arokiaswamy Velumani, the first-generation promoter of

for family-run businesses.

Luckily, this change only comes into effect from 1 April 2020, giving companies time to plan.

But many promoters are already having sleepless nights. What role does the next-generation now have?

If the promoter's son or daughter cannot become the next

Thyrocare Technologies Ltd, inducted his daughter Amruta into the business when she was 27. She has been part of the business for 15 years. However, with the recent amendment, she (and others like her) may not tick the box as being a suitable woman independent director, but can still be appointed as an executive director. Boards may face similar dilemmas between professionals and kinship.

Another significant change which will occur is the separation of the roles of the chairperson and CEO/MD for the top 500 listed companies. The chairperson, a non-executive director, can no longer be related to the MD or CEO as per the definition of "relative" under the Companies Act, 2013, leading to a conundrum in succession

CEO/MD, who are they building value for? Does this mean that the current generation has to retire for their children to take over? Will they? Such promoters also need to imbibe the spirit of the report's changes-to move away from a raja-praja relationship with the company towards a custodian/stewardship role. Such a transition, while desirable objectively, is difficult to achieve mentally, and the intrinsic nexus between a promoter and his family business is hard to break so easily.

Indian promoters do not let go easily and, being forced to give up power in favour of the next generation, may need careful planning and transition. With such segregation, the board is expected to function more independently and is likely to bring

Govt employees get to choose NPS pension fund manager NEW DELHI The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) just gave more choice to government employees in how they invest in the National Pension System (NPS).

Through a notification dated 31 January 2019, the PFRDA permitted India's approximately 20 lakh Central government employees to choose their own pension fund manager from among the eight fund managers under NPS. Government employees can also decide the funds they want to invest in and in what percentage, within the conditions laid out under NPS. As of now, PFRDA has only allowed incremental flows (fresh money) of Central government employees to move between the eight pension fund managers under NPS, but the pension regulator has indicated that norms for shifting the entire accumulated corpus to other managers will be issued in the future.

New choices PFRDA has made two significant changes for government sector NPS subscribers.

Choice of fund manager: The pension regulator has given government employees the choice of letting any of the eight pension fund managers manage and invest their fresh NPS contributions.

Until now, while private sector subscribers could choose who would manage their NPS corpus

9

from among the eight pension fund managers under NPS, the pension savings of government subscribers was mandatorily split equally between three public sector pension fund managers-SBI Pension Funds Pvt. Ltd, LIC Pension Fund Ltd and UTI Retirement Solutions Ltd. Currently, the five private sector managers only manage about 3% of the total NPS corpus of about ?2.8 trillion.

Choice of asset allocation: The PFRDA notification has also

Earlier, their contributions were invested only in option A mentioned above, where equity was capped at 15%.

Kumar Shardindu, CEO of SBI Pension Fund Pvt. Ltd said it was important for government employees to take some equity exposure. "Government employees can only increase their equity allocation by opting for the lifecycle funds. Given that NPS was opened up to government employees w h o joined service in 2 0 0 4 and

given government employees the freedom to choose between four types of asset allocations.

A)Existing asset allocation (with equity capped at 15%); B) 100% in Government Bonds; C) Conservative Lifecycle Fund with equity allocation capped at 25%; and D)Moderate Lifecycle Fund with equity allocation capped at 50%. In effect, government subscribers can now increase their equity exposure.

afterwards, the maximum age of these employees would be 45.

This means they should definitely look at maximizing equity allocation," he said.

Private sector subscribers can choose options C or D listed above or go for the Aggressive Lifecycle Fund which caps equity allocation at 75%. Alternatively, they can opt for the 'Active Choice' option and decide their own split between equities, cor-

porate bonds, government bonds and alternative assets. In Active Choice, the equity allocation is capped at 75% for subscribers below the age of 50. After 50, the equity allocation is tapered off below this level with each succeeding year.

How to choose While choosing a pension fund manager, note that a single manager will manage equity, corporate bond, government bond as well as alternative asset investments in NPS. This is quite different from mutual funds where one can manage your equity fund and another can look at your debt fund.

So how do you choose a suitable pension fund manager?

Shardindu emphasised past returns and returns in different asset classes as the key factors. "The simplest way would be to go on the NPS Trust website and look at the returns that various fund managers have generated over different periods of time. You should also decide what your asset allocation will be and then look at the returns of each of these asset classes in the same proportion as your asset allocation," he said.

For most moderate to aggressive allocations over longer terms in tier-1 accounts, HDFC Pension Fund was the best performing fund manager, but SBI Pension Fund has emerged a front runner in the past year. For conservative allocations, LIC Pension Fund came on top .

in a balance of power and reinforce accountability. This segregation has been adopted by various jurisdictions abroad as part of good governance principles.

The US had similar concerns in Tesla, with Elon Musk being both chairman and CEO. Families such as Dr. Reddy's, Bajaj, Emami and Muruguppa Group have adopted a family constitution, which ensures family values are aligned with business interests and that family disputes do not contaminate the business.

Structures, such as family business boards and councils, which are family governance bodies set up above the corporate board to assist family business members in taking strategic decisions vis-Ă -vis the company and family both. Such forums (should) have strong independent and wise voices on them, to give the family a balanced perspective.

Putting all this together, the need of the hour is for families to start thinking about these changes and planning for their implementation. Taking a decision not to make your son/daughter the next CEO is done with a heavy heart for many promoters, and to build up to this stage takes time. But, if the father keeps in mind that this is ultimately for the benefit of the business and the family's long-term success, it makes it more palatable. With about a year remaining, it remains to be seen how actively promoters participate in bringing about the required changes, in letter and in spirit.

Niti Aayog vice-chairman bats for independent debt management office New Delhi: Niti Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar made a strong case Friday for setting up an independent debt management office, and also pitched for segregating different aspects of Reserve Bank's responsibilities.

Kumar further said that India's gross domestic product (GDP) will be growing at over seven per cent in the coming years.

Kumar said, very often, there have been conversations on whether the central bank should not only have a role as monetary policymaker or supervisor, but also as a government debt manager. "In 2015, the Finance Minister‌ had announced (setting up of independent debt management office), but it has not happened," he said while speaking at a programme here.

It should be stated here that in his February 2015 budget speech, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had proposed to set up a Public Debt Management Agency (PDMA) within the finance ministry. The idea behind setting up of PDMA was to resolve issues relating to conflict of interest as the RBI decides on the key interest rates as well as undertakes buying and selling of government bonds. In this context, he said the government has been very courageous in giving the Reserve Bank the statutory authority of inflation targeting.

"Therefore, who then looks after growth, employment, debt and other legal things etc in the country? I think those are the things that need to be discussed," Kumar informed.

At present, the government debt, including market borrowing, is managed by RBI.

SPECIAL

The City Standard

Prayagraj, March 04, Monday, 2019

DEADLY MIRAGE

IAF Mirage jets cross LoC,

destroys Pakistan terror camps ADITYA SINGH

The massive "non-military, preemptive" strike by the Indian Air Force across the Line of Control, hit a major terror camp of the Jaishe-Mohammed was destroyed and over 300 terrorists were killed.

The camp was managed by Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar's brotherin-law Yousuf Azhar, who was also killed, according to sources. India carried out the pre-dawn air strike two weeks after a Jaish-eMohammed terrorist blew up explosives next to a security convoy in Pulwama in Kashmir, killing 40 soldiers.

The light French-origin and upgraded Mirage 2000 act as the tip of the spear for the Indian Air Force by hitting targets with precision weapons like laser-guided bombs and long-range air-to-ground missiles. Last week, at 3:30 am, twelve Mirage 2000 of the IAF struck a camp of the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed in Balakot, some 80 km from the Line of Control (LoC). The Mirage 2000 still remains the go-to aircraft for the Indian Air Force as it's one of the most versatile platforms anywhere. The multirole fighter jet flew sorties in the Kargil War in 1999, dropping laser-guided bombs on terrorist bunkers perched atop

difficult-to-reach mountaintops. In this airstrikes by the Mirage jets, the Israel-manufactured Spice/Crystal Maze longrange bombs flattened the terror infrastructure at Balakot, which was used for

"advanced terror training". The Mirage 2000 has delta-shaped wings, similar to the French-made Rafale and even India's home-made Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. One of the advantages of this design is that its wings have a large surface area, giving it better lift in low speed, and good manoeuvrability and stability in high speed. India signed a Rs. 17,547 crore deal (inclusive of new weapons) in 2011-12 with France to transform the capabilities of the Mirage 2000.

Two Mirage 2000 were upgraded by Dassault Aviation SA, the French manufacturer of the fighter, in France while the remaining 47 fighters are being upgraded by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in Bengaluru. During 1999 Kargil War, Indian Air force had just a handful of laser-guided bombs, and it didn't have the kit to ensure that the bombs would hit high-altitude targets with pin-point precision.

Using a

combination of modified laser-guided bombs (and unguided 'dumb bombs') mated to Israeli Litening laser targeting pods, the IAF's Mirage 2000 became instruments of death. The Mirage 2000 was inducted into the IAF in 1985. The 'new' Mirage 2000, redesignated the Mirage 2000 I, is almost incomparable

with the original jet due to the host of new systems onboard and the upgrades it has received. The new weapons the upgraded Mirage 2000 can carry include MICA air-toair missile, which can engage targets at beyond visual ranges and also at close ranges - one missile for two jobs. In January 2012, the government had signed a $1.23 billion contract with the French firm MBDA for the supply of 450 MICA missiles. For decades, the IAF has sworn by the capabilities of its Mirage 2000, the only real multi-role counter to the Pakistan Air Force's F-16s provided by the US. With the upgrades, the Mirage 2000 is good to go for another 30 years.

The upgraded Mirage 2000 has the Thales RDY 2 radar, which allows for very longr a n g e engagement of targets in the air and the ability to track and engage targets which are moving on the ground, among other capabilities. Mirage 2000 pilots are equipped with a Helmet Mounted Display, a display inside their helmet, which is able to see superimposed radar data without having to reference any of the displays inside the cockpit. This means a pilot can direct weapons by merely pointing their head instead of manoeuvring the entire jet in the direction of the target.

10

Cyber relationship needs caution DR. B.K. KASHYUP PRAYAGRAJ Owing to various communication channels because of the World Wide Web, it has become significantly easier to talk online and make friends without having to meet anyone.

There are chat rooms, social websites, and emails to befriend people all over the globe. With such liberty on the internet, establishing a romantic relationship with the one you haven't even met is not surprising. Not only has cyberspace given you the chance to get into a relationship, but it has also given an opportunity to make thousands of friends.

Cyberspace has made it easier for people to reveal their darkest secrets and share their worries with folks who may be strangers. Cyber relationships are so compelling that sometimes; they are valued more than actual relationships and seem more emotionally real and alive. This makes cyber relationships more tempting and people usually indulge in such relationships with anonymity. People in cyber relationships usually get started with mutual admiration for a thing only to become emotional support to each other later and get drawn into a rapid self-disclosure mode. With an increasing frequency of online dating, some vital considerations should not be neglected. First, the person you are talking to online may be lying about his identity. People online are found to usually lie about their looks, age, family background, marital status, and profession. Some people even lie about their gender. On the internet, it is hard to judge a person on the basis of his/her email account, which may be false. Cyber relationships do not offer any assurance about a person.

Therefore, the information given to you may be fabricated.

Second, discontinuing your cyber relationship will be best in your favor if your online partner is reluctant to meet you. If he/she does not show signs of taking the online relationship to an offline mode, it is a clear indication that the person is a fraud. In such a case, continuing your relationship will be pointless. Third, restrain from developing any feeling of love for your online friend. Exchanging emails and messages with that person does not guarantee any certainty about his/her character and motives. Without a face-to-face meeting with the person, he/she will always remain a mystery. Admiring that person won't harm you, but a romantic relationship with him/her may cause you an emotional setback, especially if the person turns out to be a swindler. Even with its demerits, cyber relationships are safe as they possess no danger of sexual exploitation, pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease.

Before starting a cyber relationship, do not forget to consider the aforementioned tips.

Bapu Sehat ki liye Tu Toh Haanikarak Hai

Son Akhilesh creates uproar against Govt, Wooing boatmen to navigate smoothly father Mulayam praises Modi in Parliament via scary roads of LS polls ADITYA SINGH PRAYAGRAJ When Opposition leaders had gathered together and form a grand alliance to take on Narendra Modi in the upcoming election, Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav created a political storm by praising the prime minister, and even wishing him a second term.

Speaking at the last session of the 16th Lok Sabha, the veteran leader said: "I want to congratulate the prime minister that he tried to move ahead taking everyone along." But what he added was the stunning part. "I hope all members to win and return, and you (Modi) become prime minister again."

Whatever the reason behind Mulayam Singh Yadav's praise for Modi, it has landed a blow to his son Akhilesh Yadav, and fellow opposition leaders, who are seen as one of the architects of the proposed grand alliance of regional parties against the BJP. These remarks by Mulayam Singh came only a day after Samajwadi Party workers staged protests across Uttar Pradesh over his son and party president Akhilesh Yadav's detention at Lucknow airport followed added to the puzzlement. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister's remarks baf-

fled and embarrassed his party's leaders.

Both father and son of the same party are heading in the completely different direction. As the father Mulayam wishing Modi to become a Prime Minister again, his son, Akhilesh, on the other hand accusing that the government is functioning in an "Autocratic" manner.

Akhilesh, in his speech, also asked students to become "Booth Soldiers" and give a befitting reply to the BJP, and ensure BJP's defeat, in this upcoming election.

Akhilesh, who had been against the BJP, even joined hands with their former rival Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati. While speaking at a video conference earlier this year to announce alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elec-

tions, he said, "BJP has divided even Gods by caste, turned Uttar Pradesh into Caste Pradesh." He also said," We have decided to join hands to wipe out the BJP from UP." However, the BJP had found a great opportunity to hit back at Samajwadi Party (SP) President, Akhilesh Yadav, their leaders quickly pounced to use the opportunity to their advantage. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath said whatever Mulayam Singh Yadav had said was true and it was time his son, Akhilesh Yadav, to realize the same. As expected, Modi duly noted the Samajwadi Party leader's remarks in his speech to Parliament. "I am very grateful of Mulayam Singh Ji for his blessings," Modi said, bringing them up twice more in his speech.

BJP spokespersons followed the same script on television debates that followed, referring to him as one of the tallest leaders in the country.

There could be multiple reasons for his remarks; some say, Mulayam is not happy with Akhilesh's policies regarding the SP, as the senior leader has been sidelined in the party. Mulayam's praise for PM Modi came as a big jolt to the SPBSP alliance, another may be the CBI inquiry into the disproportionate assets of Mulayam and his family members had been virtually "lying in cold storage." So Mulayam wants to keep the present government happy. Whatever may be the reason for Mulayam's remarks, this upcoming election seems to be really interesting.

STAFF REPORTER PRAYAGRAJ The BJP seems to be wooing the boatmen of UP to sail through the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi praising them during his recent Allahabad visit and Amit Shah opting for the river route to attend a party programme in Ghazipur.

According to party leaders, the boatmen community is spread evenly across the state and constitutes nearly 13 per cent of the electorate.

"Some of the major subcastes of the boatmen community are Nishad, Bind, Mallah, Kewat, Kashyap, Dhuria, Raikwar, Dheemar, Batham, Manjhi and Saini.

"As far as Lok Sabha seats are concerned, the community can swing the poll fortune in around 20 out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state," said UP Backward Class Finance and Development Corporation chairperson Baburam Nishad. Prior to taking up this charge, he was the vicepresident of the BJP's Uttar

Pradesh unit.

Some other party leaders said the affinity for the boatmen also stem from the fact that it was a Nishad candidate, fielded by the Samajwadi Party, which had defeated the BJP in Gorakhpur bypolls. "Some of the Lok Sabha seats, where the boatmen and fishermen community could swing the polls are Firozabad, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Kairana, Machhlishahr and Jaunpur," Baburam Nishad said.

In Ghazipur, Phulpur, Sitapur, Jalaun, Fatehpur, Unnao, Gorakhpur, Ballia and Deoria the Nishad community has a significant presence. Modi, while addressing the Swachh Kumbh, Swachh Aabhaar programme in Allahabad on February 24, had described himself as the boatmen's 'pradhan sevak'.

"Boatmen play an important role during Kumbh. There is a strong relationship between Prayagraj and boatmen.

They are the dedicated soldiers of Maa Ganga.

Without them, the

Ramayana of Lord Ram is incomplete," the prime minister had said.

"Lord Ram, by whose benevolence everyone's boat sails through, his boat was ferried by our naavik friends. I share a deep relationship with you... You call yourself 'Gangaputra', I have come on the call of Maa Ganga to serve you," he had said. Shah, in his speech at a village in Ghazipur had mentioned that he reached the venue on a boat. Referring to the provisions in the interim budget of the Centre, Baburam Nishad said in order to provide sustained and focused attention towards development of fisheries sector, the government has decided to set up a separate fisheries department.

He also claimed that the BJP has paid special attention for the upliftment of the boatmen community.

Slamming the previous BSP and SP governments, Baburam Nishad alleged that they did not carry out any actual welfare activity for the targeted beneficiaries, but doled out money

without any verification.

However, SP MP from Phulpur, Nagendra Singh Patel claimed that the BJP "failed" to fulfil the promises made to the boatmen and fishermen before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

"The Nishad community wants education and employment. They want to rise above the boats, ponds and fishes," he said. He also said that if the BJP is so much concerned about the welfare of the boatmen and fishermen, then a fisheries ministry should have been set up. "The fisheries department comes under the agriculture ministry. If a separate ministry for fisheries is made, it will certainly help the fishermen."

AERO- INDIA 2019

Asia's largest air show OUR CORRESPONDENT

Release of Special Cover and Special Cancellation Kumbh Mela 2019 OUR CORRESPONDENT PRAYAGRAJ A special cover and a special cancellation were released on 9th February 2019 on Kumbh Mela 2019 at a release function held at the Head Post Office, Allahabad. The Chief Guest for the occasion Hon'ble Justice Sudhir Narain released the cover at the Head Post Office, Allahabad at 4:30 p.m. He was accompanied by Mr. Pramod Kumar Bansal, President of Prayag Philatelic Society and Shri. Rajesh Verma, Incharge, Philatelic Bureau, Allahabad. The programme was conducted by Mr. Rahul Ganguli, Secretary of the society who thanked the chief guest and other guests. He also thanked all the philatelists and members of the society who were present to witness the programme. Around 2,000 special covers were released for Rs.25 each. It is available at the Philatelic Bureau at Allahabad and later it will also be available from the e-Post Office at New Delhi through its website. Prayag Philatelic Society was established in July 2017 and within a span of one year it has around 53 members from all over India. In the past it has got four special covers, and the society has plans to issue special covers and picture postcards on various heritage buildings of Allahabad to create awareness among people about the city.

Despite this, there is thunder in the sky and there is lot of vibrations on the ground for technologies, tie-up, and for trade. If come to the part of technologies and tie-ups. Since the As the tamed metal birds flies over the skies inception, it was received in very scratchy of Yelhanka their daunting sound of the jets makes the event spectacular and thrilling as they roared over the skies of Bangalore. The biennial Aero-India show at Bangalore promoted as Asia's largest Air Show, and has been in existence since 1996.

This 12th edition of Asia's biggest Air Show, Aero India 2019 (20 to 25 Feb 2019) in Bangalore has showcased aircrafts and its technologies and product which include Helicopters, Fighter Jets and Transport aircrafts. With around 400 exhibiters 60 aircrafts which includes LCA Tejas, Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, Dassault Rafale, F-16 fighting Falcon, F- 18 super hornet, mighty B-52 and vintage DC3 Dakota were also part of the show. HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Rudhra are also showcased on the show. The policy initiatives like 100 percent FDI in Defence manufacturing, Defence offset policy 2016, and reliscensing of Defence items in India, India is wooing to fashion in 1996, with on lookers, curious peopush investors with a aim to give a big push to ple all around. But, this time, there is a flood Make in India initiative. from the business perspective, and more peoA day before the commencement of Aero ple are in meaningful discussion. Government India, two aircraft of the Surya Kiran aerobat- programmes such as Make in India or Skill ics demonstration team of the Indian Air India, are now the discussions or sense of the Force, crashed at Isro Layout, Yelahanka, mood of how companies are going to have while practising their aerobatic display for the make in India with the tie-ups. For example, show. Two pilots ejected safely and the third L&T had tied up with MBDA for making a pilot Wing Cdr Sahil Gandhi succumbed to missile which is MICA on the IAF's fleet of his injuries.

Mirage 2000 combat jets. TATAs have tied up BENGALURU

with Lockheed Martian, which is offering F21 aircrafts which is specially made for India.

One of such example is the F-21, a multi-role fighter jet, which it claimed will be specifically configured for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The announcement comes in the wake of India floating a request for information (RFI) for 114 fighter aircraft and the US firm is eyeing a multi-billion dollar order. Lockheed said in a statement that it will partner Tata Advanced Systems and that it will have Make in India opportunities that no other firm has offered.

However, it first offered the F-16, but was rejected during Indian MMRCA competition, because of the problem with their airframes.

This F-21, the firm said, is designed to address IAF's unique requirements. The company said the new plane highlights its commitment to delivering an advanced, scalable fighter aircraft to the IAF, while also providing industrial opportunities locally.

In the field of helicopters Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had a lot to show.

The products of HAL such as, the LCH (Light Combat Helicopters) is likely to start entering services in India. The LUH (Light Utility Helicopter) made by HAL was shown, will replace the ageing Chetek and Cheetah Helicopters of the Indian Militry. The civil version of ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) Dhruv was also appreciated by many. HAL is also showcasing LUH with the capability to fold the blades so it can be use for the Navy and ship borne operations.

Lots of drone technologies are being showcased in this show, Unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones as they are simply called, have caught the imagination of ordinary people and Aero India 2019 played to the gallery by hosting a 'special Olymipcs' for operators. The number of participants was staggering, a testimony to drones' proliferation. But experts warn that the lack of regulations and a system to monitor drones could harm national security.

At a seminar on 'Anti-Drone Technology' on Wednesday, Vikram J Singh, senior adviser, Aerospace and Defence, US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, said: "In 2015, there were perhaps 10 anti-drone technologies in the market. Now, there are nearly 300 such companies.

It poses a threat to world leaders, stadiums and airports. It's hard to counter small drones, and this is an area of interest."

POINT BLANK

The City Standard

Prayagraj, March 04, Monday, 2019

Need to revive ancient Gurukula education system NEW DELHI

"We Indians feel inferior in being Indian. We disown ourselves in our own motherland and the reason behind it is that we are becoming more and more western in taste."

It's not a fight against modern education but it's a fight against the extermination of our own ancient education and the way to deliver it. We need to revive our Gurukula system while encouraging positive aspects of presentday modern education.

Today, there is a handful of people in our country who could speak or understand our ancient language Sanskrit.

Our upcoming generation doesn't know anything about our culture and traditions. It's ironical that seven decades have passed since British left, but the decline in our culture has not stopped yet.

Gurukulas are almost extinct now; on the other side Christian schools are showing their presence in every corner of the country.

What is a Gurukula: A Gurukula or Gurukulam was a type of education system in ancient India with shishya ('students' or 'disciples') living near or with the guru, in the same house. The guru-shishya tradition is a sacred one in Hinduism and appears in other religious groups in India, such as Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.

Before the British rule, they served as South Asia's primary educational system.

In a Gurukula, the students

living together are considered as equals, irrespective of their social standing. Typically, a guru does not receive or accept any fees from the shishya studying with him as

the relationship between a guru and the shishya is considered very sacred. The Gurus train their students with meditations, yoga, life teachings, and other standards.

At the end of one's education, a shishya offers the guru dakshina before leaving the Gurukula. The gurudakshina is a traditional gesture of acknowledgment, respect and thanks to the guru, which may be monetary, but may also be a special task the teacher wants the student to accomplish.Modern Gurukulas: These schools are based on Vedic-cum-modern education.

They provide Vedic and traditional knowledge in Sanskrit as well as Modern scientific knowledge. Acharyakulam is the one established near Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar.

Apex court opposes amendment to RTI NEW DELHI RTI Act is the best enactment, but it is not giving best results in securing the access to public records. Why? The problem is that neither the Central government in respect of CIC nor the State government in respect of SICs, are filling the vacancies for the appointment of Commissioners in a timely manner, leading to stifling of the functioning of RTI Act and huge backlogs of appeals and complaints in many Commissions across the country.

Ignoring or neglecting vacancies reflects disinterest of the governments in implementing the RTI of the people. The scheme of RTI Act contained in its Sections 7 and 19 provides a time-bound legislation for effectively exercising the fundamental right to information guaranteed in Article 19 of the Constitution of India. The CIC and SICs which are the final appellate authorities under the RTI Act and are the guardians of the Act are taking many months, and in some cases even years, to decide appeals and complaints due to accumulation of pending appeals/complaints. Reason is large number of vacancies in SICs across India. The apex court’s order of 15th February 2019 addressed this rattling problem. This order is hoped to have an effect of mending the anti-RTI attitude of Governments to a great extent. The SC told the Centre and states to take specific measures that will stall their strategies to dilute RTI. It also spoiled the attempts of the Centre to strike at the roots of the Information Commissions wholesale by a contemplated Bill, 2018, which could deny the access right. The apex court opined that Centre shall continue CIC with the same status of CEC as prescribed in RTI Act. Almost all the governments, including the Centre are adopting four ‘D’s – delay, deny, dilute and damage the RTI. Firstly, they allow vacancies to remain until courts issue writs in PILs. Secondly, they appoint only loyal bureaucrats without looking into other eight fields mentioned in RTI Act. Thirdly, try to keep the commissioners under Damocles sword of reducing their status to make them feel as glorified clerks in the Commissions also.

The main objectives of the gurukul system are: Self-control, Character development, Social awareness, Personality development, Intellectual development, Spiritual devel-

opment' Preservation of knowledge & culture, Testimonial of the success of the Gurukula system.

The words gravity and gravitational force in Sanskrit is called "Gurutva Akaarshana Shakti". 'Gurutva' meaning 'mass' and 'Akaarshana' means 'attraction.

In mathematics, the idea of zero, the decimal system, numerical notations, Fibonacci number, Binary numbers, Chakarvala method of Algorithm, the value of pie, Ruler measurement etc.

Brahmagupta, Aryabhatta, Jayadeva, Pingala, Virahanka, Gopala, and Hemachandra were famous mathematicians.

Longitude, Latitude, Tides, Eclipse, and many other geographic phenomena were also well known.

Architectural achievements are many but Ajanta and Ellora caves really deserve a different spot. Scientists believe that these caves couldn't be built with primitive

technology in such a short time indicating they must have advanced technologies.

Further, an American TV recently claimed that Ram Sethu is manmade, an Indian marvel.

Another notable scientist was Kanad who is said to have devised the atomic theory centuries before John Dalton was born. He speculated the existence of "anu", much like an atom. He also stated that "anu" can have two states absolute rest and a state of motion.

Wooltz steel, smelting of zinc along with rust-free iron proves the metal industry of the times. The Mehrauli iron pillar along with many others throughout the country, standing rust free even after many centuries.

Being in School is not the same as learning. "The name of the dog is Puppy." This seems like a simple sentence. But in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, three out of four third grade students could not understand what it meant. In rural India, nearly three-fourth of third graders are unable to solve a two-digit subtraction; and nearly half the number of fifth graders are unable to solve such problems.

The world is facing a learning crisis. While countries have significantly increased access to education, being in school is not the same thing as learning. Worldwide, hundreds of millions of children reach young adulthood without even the most basic skills, such as calculating the balance from a transaction, following a doctor's prescription, or understanding a bus schedule - let alone building a fulfilling career or educating children.

Education is at the centre of building human capital. The latest World Bank research shows the productivity of 56 per cent of the world's children will be less than half of what it could be if they enjoyed complete education and full health.

Delivered well, education - along with the human capital it generates - benefits individuals and societies. For individuals, education raises self-esteem and furthers opportunities for employment and earnings. And for a country, it helps strengthen institutions within societies, drives long-term economic growth, reduces poverty, and spurs innovation.

One big reason why a learning crisis persists is that many education systems across the developing world have little information on who is learning and who is not. As a result, it is hard for them

PM-Kishan Saamman Nidhi

Still a long way to go The PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi (PMKISAN) scheme has been launched with much fanfare and even more rhetoric for accompaniment from Gorakhpur. But fact remains that the majority of states in the country are yet to provide their lists of beneficiaries for the scheme because land records in these states are far from being

which is home to a number of smallholder and landless and tenant farmers, land records maintenance is said to be very poor. It is another matter altogether that the real sufferers of agrarian crisis are the small land holders and landless farmers.

Those farmers with the necessary means to meet the costs of agriculture are well able to also find means to get their produce to the market and then sell for the

computerised, and data remains to be collected, verified and 'purified'. According to one report, details of only 2.4 crore out of the expected 10 crore beneficiaries had been uploaded on to the Centre's database as of February 21. And these beneficiaries have been listed chiefly by Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. For a country that has been run on age-old systems of records-keeping, with bureaucracy spending its energy and time chiefly on maintaining the status quo and getting muddled by frequently changing its directions rather than going in for necessary reforms, land records remain physical documents that need to be verified manually and data generated when need arises. This whole rigmarole is bound to take years for the officials to accomplish delivery to perfection in the current situation. It has to be admitted that in most states, even those claiming improvement in many of their social metrics, land records are far from getting computerised. States such as Bihar,

right price and survive the vagaries of weather. Small holders and landless farmers, in turn, are being deprived of their meagre livelihood because they are not equipped to keep pace with changes.

They are producing food by traditional techniques and often using new inputs without necessary understanding of their application. There is a distinct shift in rural livelihood with many agricultural labourers without land holdings moving to urban centers for work such as construction under hazardous conditions.

The quality of life that people going for such work have today may have improved materially, but health is suffering. Lifestyle diseases are on the rise among these strata as their biggest assets, their bodies, are getting ignored. They are today directly exposed to poisons of different kinds and becoming guinea pigs, mostly inadvertently. Agricultural land is being encroached upon silently by upwardly mobile classes that need land to build homes.

NEW DELHI

Leader befitting the honour SN MISRA

Between the 'irrational exuberance' of Fernandes and virtuNew Delhi ousness of Antony, Pranab was like a whiff of fresh air to the India has had 26 defence min- South Block, when he came in isters so far. I had the privilege 2004. N Vittal, the then Central of working with four: Vigilance Commissioner, met Mulayam Singh Yadav (1996- him and harped on the need to 98), George Fernandes (1998- usher in transparency in pro2004), Pranab Mukherjee (2004-06) and AK Antony (2006-2014). Each had a unique style of functioning.

Mulayam shuttled between Lucknow and Delhi in IAF planes, and wanted all notings in Hindi; he called Major Generals, Majors. George Fernandes brought in enormous dynamism to the stiffcollar ministry of defence (MoD) with his informality and easy accessibility. He was the most popular defence minister as he carried cakes to troops during Christmas and also sent defence financial offi- curement process of defence cials to Siachen Glacier, as deals. This sowed the seeds of they were sitting over propos- the Defence Procurement als for snow boots for the Manual 2005. troops.

There was debate in the Antony was the longest serving defence ministry whether such Defence Minister (8 years), a manual should have restrictwho gave priority to his per- ed use in the ministry, or sonal image over expeditious should be put as part of the procurement of weapon sys- MoD website. Pranab overtems. He cancelled every con- ruled defence mandarins and tract where he smelt minimal ensured that the MoD is permalfeasance, leading to a stale- ceived as a transparent defence mate in major procurement. buyer globally.

Fernandes' easy access led to He unveiled the Defence the Tehelka tapes that exposed Procurement Manual before a the sleazy way surrogate galaxy of journalists that wantdefence agents operated with ed to corner him about gaps MoD officials. between MoD's percept and

Global learning crisis NEW DELHI

"Sushruta Samhita" is considered to be one of the most comprehensive textbooks on ancient surgery. The text mentions various illnesses, plants, preparations, and cures along with complex techniques of plastic surgery and Cataract surgery. "Mayantam" talks about construction technologies.

The Vaimanika shastra is a Sanskrit text on aerospace technology. It makes the claim that the vimanas mentioned in ancient Sanskrit epics were advanced aerodynamic flying vehicles. They have a mechanism of a vimana along with the guidelines to the pilot of vimana. There is also evidence of some kind of air warfare in those times.

The theory of relativity is also claimed to be understood by Indian Einstein Nagarjuna.

We may start speaking English in fancy accents and start considering ourselves British or American, but they won't ever consider us among themselves. We will always be identified as Indians, hence this culture gives us the identity. So it's our duty to protect our culture and our identity.

Gurukula is a very good tool to spread and save our ancient knowledge.

Hence, Govt. and all the organizations which claim to promote Indian culture needs to come forward and revive Gurukulas. "Gurukula education system along with the blend of modern education will revolutionalize the education system."

to do anything about it.

And with uncertainty about the kinds of skills the jobs of the future will require, schools and teachers must prepare students with more than basic reading and writing skills. Students need to be able to interpret information, form opinions, be creative, communicate well, collaborate and be resilient.

Vision should be for all children and youth to be learning and acquiring the skills they need to be productive, fulfilled, and involved citizens and workers.

Focus should be on helping teachers at all levels become more effective in facilitating learning, improving technology for learning, strengthening management of schools and systems, while ensuring learners of all ages - from preschool to adulthood - are equipped for success.

A growing body of evidence suggests the learning crisis is, at its core, a teaching crisis. For students to learn, they need good teachers - but many education systems pay little attention to what teachers know, what they do in the classroom, and in some cases whether they even show up.

Technology offers new possibilities for teaching

practice. But Pranab disarmed all with wit, courtesy and yen for detail.

Pranab also put in place the 'Offset Procedure' in 2005, according to which when a country goes for big-ticket acquisition, it can ask the exporting country to transfer

key technology, bring in FDI and bolster exports as an 'offset'.

Global companies welcomed the move as a pioneering effort to bring in best global practice.

The other very important provision incorporated in Defence Procurement Procedure in 2006 was the Integrity Pact.

Admiral Radhakrishna Hariram Tahiliani, who was President of Transparency International, India chapter, brought to Pranab's notice how India ranks very high in the corruption index. Under the IP Pact, which is widely practised globally, the purchaser and the

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buyer sign a commitment of 'no corruption'. Normally such a commitment is given only by the seller and not by the buyer.

The 'Undue Influence Clause' was introduced using which defence contracts would be cancelled if defence agents resorted to venal methods to gain contracts. It is to Pranab's credit that MoD became the pioneer in having an integrity pact, which was adopted subsequently by ONGC and the power sector.

Pranab ensured that the exigency of defence procurement does not cloud fair process, equal opportunity and criteriabased shortlisting and evaluation of vendors. This has been his most enduring contribution in the three years in the defence ministry, before he left for the ministry of external affairs in 2006, rather reluctantly.

Touching upon the Emergency, Pranab has written in his memoir how Indira Gandhi was not aware of the nuances of Emergency provisions. He has also recounted how PV Narasimha Rao admonished him for leaving the Congress hurriedly and forming an alternative party following his differences with Rajiv. That is the reason why most Congressmen do not consider him loyal enough. In his last memoir, he has written how Sonia Gandhi expected him to be deferential towards her, after he became the President.

Prescription for healthy India NEW DELHI The budget session of Parliament has just ended. If the interim budget is anything to go by, healthcare has been given a fair deal. The overall allocation for health has risen by 13 per cent increasing the outlay to Rs 61,398 crore for 2019-20 compared with Rs 54,667 crore in 2018-19 revised estimate. The two flagship schemes: Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres received sizeable raise in the budget.

Allocation raised to Rs 6,400 crore for Health Protection Scheme and Rs 1,600 crore for Health and Wellness Centres. It is a sizeable investment in health.

Ayushman Bharat - Health Protection Scheme, also known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) aims to benefit 10 crore poor and vulnerable families accounting for about 50 crore population empowering them to go for treatment to higher centres which are usually located in cities. It provides health insurance cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year. In this cashless and paperless access to healthcare insurance covers 1,350 medical packages covering surgery, medical and daycare treatments. This is viewed as the game changer in life of vulnerable population.

The healthcare expenditures are known to be catastrophic and spending on health pushed more than 50 million people to below poverty line in 2017. More than 10 lakh people have already benefited from the scheme within just four months. Health insurance is not very popular in the country and a very small percentage of people opt for it.

General health insurance does not cover day care and one needs to be hospitalised for at least a day to claim insurance. This implies needless expenditure of being hospitalised without valid medical reason. There is concern for people who are just above the border line of people identified as eligible for the insurance. These groups should be encouraged and perhaps with support to have health insurance, failing which they would be pushed to back by a decade.

Being in school is not same as learning and learning. Rapid technological change is raising the stakes. Millions of students are benefitting from the effective use of technology, but millions more in the developing world are not.

Learning happens best when instruction is personalized to meet the needs and strengths of each

child, individual progress is tracked, and prompt feedback provided. Adaptive technology can be used to evaluate students' initial learning level to then walk them through math exercises in a dynamic, personalised way, based on artificial intelligence and what the student is ready to learn.

In a field that is developing at dizzying speeds, innovative solutions to educational challenges are springing up everywhere. Challenge is to make technology a driver of equity and inclusion and not a source of greater inequality of opportunity. All

the stakeholders with partners worldwide need to support the effective and appropriate use of educational technologies to strengthen learning.

When schools and educations systems are managed well, learning happens. Providing quality education requires building systems that deliver learning, day after day, in thousands of schools, to millions of students.

Successful education reforms require good policy design, strong political commitment, and effective implementation capacity. Of course, this is extremely challenging.

Many countries struggle to make efficient use of resources and very often increased education spending does not translate into more learning and improved human capital.

Overcoming such challenges involves working at all levels of the system.

At the central level, ministries of education need to attract the best experts to design and implement evidence-based and country-specific programmes.

District or regional offices need the capacity and the tools to monitor learning and support schools.

At the school level, principals need to be trained and prepared to manage and lead schools, from planning the use of resources to supervising and

nurturing their teachers.

However difficult it may be, change is possible.

Through improved school-level accountability by monitoring and limiting teacher and student absenteeism, and the introduction of a meritbased teacher recruitment system, they will be able to increase enrollment and retention of students and significantly improve the quality of education.

No change can happen without data.

Governments need to know what their education systems are missing - or what's being done right to take the right steps to improve.

By their nature, the payoffs from investing in education require patience and persistence. In fact, it will take a generation to realise the full benefits of high-quality teachers, the effective use of technology, improved management of education systems, and engaged and prepared learners.

As we celebrated the first-ever International Day of Education January 24, we must do all we can to equip our youth with the skills to keep learning, adapt to changing realities, and thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy and a rapidly changing world of work.

The schools of the future are being built today.

These are schools where all teachers have the right competencies and motivation, where technology empowers them to deliver quality learning, and where all students learn fundamental skills, including socio-emotional, and digital skills.

Governments, teachers, parents, and the international community must do their homework to realise the promise of education for all students, in every village, in every city, and in every country.

Prayagraj, March 04, Monday, 2019

Sachin Tendulkar, PV Sindhu

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CMYK

MY CITY

The City Standard

AIFF President Patel in race for FIFA council member poll

others salute IAF pilot's bravery

conducted eligibility checks on candidates running for FIFA Council positions. The AFC The All India Football Federation (AIFF) Electoral Committee will be responsible for all President Praful Patel will be in the running tasks relating to the organisation, to become one of the six FIFA running and supervision of the Council members from the Asian elections.

The FIFA Football Confederation Governance Committee (AFC) when the regional will nominate reprebody holds its elections sentatives to monitor on April 6. the running of the The election will elections for FIFA be for the term 2019Council positions.

2023 and will be held FIFA Council during the 29th AFC M e m b e r s Congress in Kuala Candidates: Lumpur, Malaysia, Saoud A.Aziz the AFC said in a M A Alstatement. December Mohannadi (Qatar), 6, 2018 was the deadKhalid Awad A. line for the member Althebity (Saudi associations to submit Arabia), Mariano V. their nominations.

Araneta, Jr. (Philippines), The AFC Electoral Chung Mong Gyu (Korea Committee carried out eligibility Republic), Du Zhaocai (China checks on the candidates running for PR), Praful Patel (India), Mehdi Taj the positions and the FIFA Review Committee (IR Iran), Kohzo Tashima (Japan).

NEW DELHI

Virat Kohli bows down to 'real hero' Abhinandan Varthaman

NEW DELHI After Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Abhinandan Varthaman returned home to India on Friday night after spending two days in Pakistani captivity, the sports fraternity came in unison to welcome the Wing Commander.

From legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar to ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal, all took to their official Twitter handle to salute the bravery of the pilot.

Tendulkar said that the valour and courage showcased by Abhinandan taught everyone to have faith in themselves.

"A hero is more than just four letters. Through his courage, selflessness and perseverance, OUR HERO teaches us to have faith in ourselves.#WelcomeHomeA bhinandan. Jai Hind," he wrote.

Sania Mirza: Describing the Wing Commander as the country's hero in the truest sense, tennis star Sania Mirza saluted the bravery and dignity shown by pilot Abhinandan.

"Welcome back Wing Commander Abhinandan .. you are our HERO in the truest sense.. The country salutes you and the bravery and dignity you have shown # Respect #

WelcomeBackAbinandan Jai Hind," Mirza wrote.

Here is how other welcomed Abhinandan's return to India: Anil Kumble: We salute your bravery #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan VVS Laxman: The nation salutes your valour , selflessness and grit. #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan Gautam Gambhir: I must say I was nervous before he returned. I am glad India got its son back!!! # A b h i n a n a d a n #AbhinanadanVarthaman Saina Nehwal: Welcome back our hero ... #WingCommandarAbhinanda n #IndianAirfoce

Virender Sehwag: How proud we are to have you !

Bow down to your skills and even more your grit and c o u r a g e #WelcomeBackAbhinandan .

We love you and are filled with pride because of you.#WeAreSupposedToTell YouThis Rohit Sharma: Welcome to our motherland #WingCommanderAbhinanda n Another name for bravery Kidambi Srikanth: You have shown us what a soldier is really made of. A big salute to the hero of our nation.

Welcome back brave heart PV Sindhu: Welcome back wing commander Abhinandan. The Country salutes you Jai hind.

NEW DELHI: He is revered as a hero on the cricket pitch but Virat Kohli on Friday sent a heartfelt message to his own hero - Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

The brave IAF pilot returned home to India on Friday night after spending two days in Pakistani captivity. He had engaged and shot down a Pakistan Air Force F16 jet on Wednesday before his own MiG-21 Bison jet crashed. Although Abhinandan managed to eject, he landed in Pakistan-occupiedKashmir.

A nation united in calling for Abhinandan's return.

A nation united in celebration when the braveheart eventually walked back into India. "Real hero. I bow down to you.

Jai Hind," posted Kohli on his official Instagram account. He also posted a sketch of the IAF hero.

Kohli's message was just one in a sea of messages which saluted Abhinandan's valour and his courage.

Proud to hand over legacy of Indian jersey to future generations: Dhoni HYDERABAD Kapil's Devils' pristine whites at the Lord's in 1983 was a source of inspiration for Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who wore different shades of blue in 2007 and 2011 and is "proud to hand over the legacy" of Indian jersey to future generations. Indian team's new 2019 World Cup jersey was launched by sporting apparel giants Nike in the presence of former captain Dhoni, current skipper Virat Kohli, his Test deputy Ajinkya Rahane and young turk Prithvi Shaw. Asked about what exactly an Indian jersey reminds him, the two-time World champion former skipper said: "It always reminds me of the great legacy that we have got. It's not only that. Playing each and every bilateral series, reaching No 1 across formats, all these are motivational stuff." One of the greatest to ever donned the India Blues, Dhoni spoke with a lot of reverence about how the seeds of the present were sown back in 1983 when Kapil Dev lifted the World Cup. "It feels good to always get into past a bit. During first World Cup in 1983, we were very young. Later, saw videos of how everyone celebrated. In 2007, we won World T20. So we are good at it (World titles). It's good that we carried that legacy forward and hand it over to the future generations," the eldest statesman of Team India said. "Hopefully, the (new) jersey becomes a part of lot of World Cups but it is the consistency that we are really proud of," Dhoni added.

It becomes difficult for players to adapt if DRS is irregular: Mithali

Welcome home Abhinandan

BCCI hails IAF hero with jersey number 1 NEW DELHI The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) joined the entire country on Friday night in welcoming home Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman who had been in Pakistan's custody for two days.

Abhinandan was handed back to India at the AttariWagah border two days after his MiG-21 Bison fighter jet had crashed in PoK while successfully engaging a Pakistan Air Force F16 jet. Pakistan cracked under pressure from India to hand the IAF pilot back and the much-awaited return took place on Friday night.

BCCI, much like the entire country, hailed the valour showcased by Abhinandan while in captivity and said that he will inspire generations to come. "#WelcomeHomeAbhinandan You rule the skies and you rule our hearts. Your courage and dignity will inspire generations to come," BCCI tweeted with an image of the Indian cricket jersey with Abhinandan's name on it. The jersey had No. 1 on it.

decision to drop successful left-arm spinner Ekta Bisht for Rajeshwari Gayakwad.

"We only made one change in the team, getting Rajeshwari in place of Ekta Bist. We felt that Rajashwari did not get a game even in New Zealand. Unfortunately this is a three ODI series so we can't really try to give opportunity to too many youngsters. But she is a seasoned player and it is just unfortunate that she didn't get a game in the New Zealand series, so we thought she needs to get a game here," she said. Asked about the absence of the Decision Review System in this series after having played with DRS in New Zealand, Mithali said the inconsistency of its usage was a drawback.

"We would love to have DRS because when it comes to big events like the ICC, where we have DRS, we need to get a little more experience for the girls to understand the concept of DRS - how and when to take it. We had it in New Zealand, suddenly we don't have it at home," she said. "If it is irregular, it gets difficult for the players to accept a concept like that. It has its own effects. It is good in a way and it is bad also.

Some dismissals go your way, but at crucial stages, some dismissals don't go your way. It's part of the game."

Technology in Cricket : To be or not to be, is the question

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NEW DELHI The introduction of technology into cricket has not been a smooth one.

The phrase "to err is human" was precisely why cricketers and cricket administrators around the world felt that with modern technology, the chances of a human error will be adequately solved. Furthermore, the introduction of stump mics, spider cams, DRS, snickometers will bring about transparency and excitement to the television viewers, who are growing in millions.

The multi-media relay of 'live' cricket brought the game so much closer and made it interesting to watch.

This led to a commercial bonanza for the business of cricket. And in bringing entertainment to attract more eye balls, technology development is progressing more towards non-cricket activities rather than to focus on the actual game of cricket.

The stump mic, which remained mute for the viewing public earlier, has now become the new play toy of the game. Listening to the banter, remarks and sledging between cricketers during the game has made the life of a viewer exciting but rather stifling for a cricketer. After all, hearsay and gossip has always found its presence in the first page of a tabloid.

A chatter and a few caustic remarks have always been a part of the game of cricket for well over a century. Sledging, as one popularly calls it, has been prominent in cricket from school cricket to the very top level of the game.Although a lot has been said about sledging recently, at most times, amongst the cricketers, it has been more in fun than with any personal malice. The most hilarious and funny repartees were normally directed at one's own players, especially when they misfielded, dropped a catch or got out in a ridiculous manner.

Cricket is a slow and time consuming game and to have 13 mute cricketers would definitely make it into a boring affair. A day in the field does need some wordy amusement to all out there in the middle. The famous words of William Shakespeare comes to one's mind: "To be or not to be, that is the question."

The stump mic technology may provide entertainment but it needs to be monitored correctly. A sportsman, when he plays for his country, has put in many many hours of hard work and his mind is focused on doing well not only for himself but also for his coun-

try and team. Every person reacts differently in adverse conditions and so it is while playing cricket. One cannot expect each person to have a cool and collected temperament.

Meaningless words are spoken

and the hurtful personal remarks should be dealt with behind the scene, rather than making it into a public affair. The Rishabh Pant and Paine incident turned out to be a laughable one and to me, so was the Root and Gabriel one. None of the players at the end found it objectionable and so penalising a cricketer may follow the laws of punishment, but if the players concerned did not find it a problem, a handshake or a hug would have been a good way to bring the episode to a

closure.

Technology in cricket is leading to confusion at times. In most other sports, a line call is what it is being used for. In cricket, there are many other factors that play a part. The uncertain factors are compensated by the 'call of the umpire' and so this brings in inconsistency. The idea of half the ball hitting the stump or landing in line with the wicket makes the process quite ridiculous.

How can a similar incident or occurrence have two different decisions, of being out or not-out depending on an umpires call? There has to be consistency or else the very technology that we so proudly talk about is incorrect. The ball hitting the stump, whether full, half or quarter should make no difference. One either accepts technology in full or not, as a half way measure is bringing-in confusion that the game can very well do without.

The other area of concern that one expected technology to eradicate was in the review of catches. I can recollect years ago when the late Tony Grieg held a ball in his hands, well rested on his palms and with the back

of his hands touching the ground. An example of a clean legitimate catch, which when reviewed by a camera looked as if the ball was touching the ground. He did this demonstration to show how one could misjudge a genuine catch. He was not entirely convinced about the correctness of the technology which was introduced.

This element of doubt seems to still persist.

Unfortunately, umpires have now started depending a lot on technology as a decision solver. The recent errors that one saw umpires make in the knock-out stages of the domestic Ranji Trophy made one wish for technology.

Unfortunately, therefore, "to be or not to be" for technology in cricket, has progressed to "it has to be". Cricket, as a sport has stood for fair-play.

The idea of victory at all costs is what disrupted Australian cricket recently and could ruin the game of cricket in the future as well.

Technology has a major part to play in bringing about transparency and correctness. The ICC has to show more zest in implementing technology and in enhancing its development. The stump mic should not become a tool for entertainment.During my Test match debut, I did receive a fair amount of sledging by some of the English players.

IPL is ‘next big step’ for women's cricket, says Meg Lanning SYDNEY Australian skipper Meg Lanning feels that introduction of Indian Premier League (IPL) would be the "next big step" in women's cricket.

Last year, IPL had staged a one-off exhibition match for women players in Mumbai hinting at the possibility of the start of women's own T20 league. Lanning said that if that turned out to be the reality then it would be an exciting prospect for the female cricketers.

"It was a lot of fun. We only, obviously, played the one game last time. I am not too sure what the set up would be this time if there was one but, from the response we got last time, everyone is keen to do it," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Lanning, as saying.

"I would certainly love to be involved in something like that. The next big step for women's cricket is if an IPL could get up - it's certainly an exciting prospect," she added. Australia are currently engaged in a three-match T20I series against New Zealand which the hosts are leading 2-0. Lanning said that they are aiming to finish the series on a high note. "It would be a little disappointing if we didn't play well and that was the end point of the summer. We are looking to, hopefully, play our best game of the series. I think we have played good in patches but probably haven't put the full game together. That's what we are looking to do," Lanning said.

"We feel as a batting unit we have had some good patches - we probably have left a few runs out there in both of our games. Hopefully, we can get off to a good start in the top order and we know we have a very strong middle to late order as well," she added.

Owned, published and printed by Sandeep Mitra. Editor: Sandeep Mitra. Head office : 1A, Hashimpur Road, Tagore Town, Prayagraj-211002 Mobile: 7905230036, Email : thecitystandard1@gmail.com. Printed at Amar Ujala Publications limited, Bamrauli, GT Road, Prayagraj. RNI Title code UPENG04273 Letter No.91. Verification date - 27.03.2017

CMYK

dence to this side," she added. Mithali said.

She said only against She said the issue was New Zealand the team addressed before the series India women's ODI team became a bit complacent after against England and the team captain Mithali Raj is disappointed for not being able to complete a series whitewash against England, but said the 2-1 win over the current world champions would act as a huge confidence booster for her side.

Mithali rued the missed opportunity to not only complete a 3-0 series whitewash against a quality side like England, but also lose out on crucial two points in the ICC Women's Championship.

"Well, it does play a very important part because, obviously we are not playing Pakistan and we just have one more team that we are still to play, the West Indies," said Mithali after the hosts lost the third and final ODI of the series by two wickets here on Thursday.

Putting things in perspective, Mithali said India now has only the contest against the West Indies to look for after having lost two points each against Sri Lanka, South Africa and also wrapping up the rubber. was determined to make it 3in New Zealand.

"Only in New Zealand, 0.

"So pretty much in total- we felt it was a one-sided "But this (issue) we did ity we lost eight points when game in the third ODI. But it address and the girls do we were in a position to grab was a well fought match understand. We will definitethose 2 points in all those against Sri Lanka, which ly work on it, so that in the series. So it is disappointing went till the last over and also coming series, if we are in a but winning against one of in South Africa when we similar position, we would the quality sides with full played South Africa, so those like to make it 3-0." strength gives lot of confi- matches were well fought," Mithali defended the MUMBAI