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Regional

- NEET-UG counselling from July third week, says govt.

- Cauvery panel asks Karnataka to ensure flow of water for T.N.

- Centre withholding funds for projects: Stalin

- Two members of Meitei outfit held in Imphal

- NULM workers call off protest as GCC agrees to hike wages

- Doctors demand implementation of G.O. on promotions

- Fire breaks out at Southern Railway godown in ICF

- Man murders father, police launch search

- Tambaram residents raise concern over levy of water charges on individual flats

- Chennai Metro Rail Limited tells High Court that it has no option but to impose tender conditions in favour of Japan

- Sri Ramachandra Institute sets up VR lab for medical training

- Sixth Retina Summit will focus on retinopathy of prematurity

- Special medical camps for street food vendors launched

- Govt. to fete private schools that got 100% pass in Class XII

- PMK flays bid to withhold service quota

- T.N. Health Minister discusses with World Bank officials plan to boost health infrastructure

- School principal and administrator booked for not reporting sexual assault incidents to police

- ‘Bring tea estate and workers under TANTEA’

- Probe into misappropriation of funds from Pachaiyappa’s trust

- Court allows custodial inquiry of BSP leader murder case suspects

- Cannot remit Post Matric Scholarship scheme money to educational institutions, Centre tells Madras High Court

- T.N. will soon unveil policies on Deep Tech and Artificial Intelligence, says Minister

- Sri Lankan Navy arrests 13 fishers from Pudukottai

- Centre withholding funds for projects in Tamil Nadu, says CM

- ‘Ooty lake must be protected under 2017 Wetland Rules’

- Man killed in police encounter in Pudukottai; SI injured

- Stalin, EPS pay tributes to late freedom fighter

- CB-CID searches AIADMK functionary’s house in Karur

- YouTuber arrested for ‘derogatory’ comments against late CM

- How a co-operative model of farming helped boost floriculture in Tamil Nadu

- A palace and a library spotlight the cultural mosaic of Thanjavur

- The painful spectacle of 47 wives of the Ramanathapuram king committing sati

Krishnadas Rajagopal

NEW DELHI

SC adjourns hearing to July 18 ; govt. says candidatures of students found to be beneficiaries of any malpractices will be cancelled at any stage during the counselling process or even afterwards

A student holds a placard demanding reconducting of NEET-UG, outside the Supreme Court on Thursday.SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKARSHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

The Union government has said that counselling for eligible NEET-UG candidates will be conducted in four rounds from the third week of July even as the Supreme Court on Thursday deferred the hearing of the case to July 18. The government, in its latest affidavit, has banked on an IIT-Madras report to count out “mass malpractice” in the exam.

A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud accepted the request of lawyers to adjourn the hearing. Advocates Mathew J. Nedumpara and Charu Mathur, appearing for the petitioners, said the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA) had filed their counter-affidavits late on Wednesday, leaving little time for them to go through the documents.

Chief Justice Chandrachud informed the assembled lawyers that the CBI has already filed a status report. During the previous hearing on July 8, the top court orally remarked that the sanctity of NEET was compromised beyond doubt. Despite this, the Chief Justice had expressed reluctance to order a re-test. The top judge reasoned that such a step would be an “extreme last resort”.

The Centre said that candidatures of students found to be beneficiaries of any malpractices would be cancelled at any stage during the counselling process or even afterwards. It said the counselling process could be manoeuvred around such cancellations.

The Hindu Bureau

Bengaluru

The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) on Thursday asked Karnataka to ensure the flow of 11,500 cusecs of water at Biligundlu every day till July 31 to supply water for Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka had cited deficit water flow, and urged the committee to defer any decision till July 25.

According to a note from the office of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minster and Water Resources Minister D.K. Shivakumar, the State informed the CWRC that between June 1 and July 9, theinflow into four reservoirs in Karnataka was 41.651 tmcft, a 28.71% deficit from the average inflow in previous years.

The total storage in four reservoirs in Karnataka currently stands at 58.66 tmcft, while the total storage in three reservoirs in Tamil Nadu is 24.705 tmcft.

It was also pointed out that 4.905 tmcft of water from Mettur and 0.618 tmcft from the Bhavani (a total of 5.542 tmcft) was being released into the river.

Based on the data, the note said, Karnataka argued that it was better to wait till July 25 before any decision on water release is taken.

The note said Tamil Nadu argued that Karnataka had not maintained the flow of water into the river for environmental purposes between February and May. The current year is being treated as a normal year and inflow into the river also remains normal. Hence, the water flow at Biligundlu should be what the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal awarded and confirmed by the Supreme Court, it argued.

Mr. Shivakumar told presspersons in Bengaluru that the available water was inadequate for Karnataka.

Centre withholding funds for projects: Stalin

The Hindu Bureau

DHARMAPURI

Smarting from the crushing defeat in Tamil Nadu in the Lok Sabha election, the Centre (the BJP government) was withholding funding for the State’s Metro Rail and other projects, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin alleged here on Thursday.

While the DMK government was implementing projects for the welfare of people, irrespective of the voting pattern, the “jealous” Opposition was into a smear campaign, he said.

The Centre had failed to rise above likes and dislikes; there was not a single major project the Centre had sanctioned for Tamil Nadu in the last 10 years. “On behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu, I urge the Union government to learn a lesson at least now,” the Chief Minister said after launching the rural extension of ‘Makkaludan Mudhalvar’ scheme to redress people’s grievances through coordination of 13 departments, in 30 days of submission of petitions.

According to him, the DMK government was treading the path of ‘Makkalidam Sel, Makkalai Patri Arindhukol, Makkalukkaga Seyalpadu’ (go to the people, know them and work for them).

The Hindu Bureau

NEW DELHI

The Manipur Police arrested two members of the radical armed Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol in the Paona Bazaar area in Imphal on Wednesday. The police also seized arms and ammunition, including an INSAS rifle with 16 live rounds and a pistol with three live rounds.

The accused have been identified as Kangabam Lenin Singh, 43, and Toijam Shantikishor, 50. The Manipur Police said a case had been registered “for further investigation and legal action”.

The arrest comes within days of fresh tensions erupting in parts of Kangpokpi and in Jiribam district, which has seen violence and arson since June. The Arambai Tenggol group has come into prominence as one of the largest armed actors in the ongoing ethnic conflict.

In the first weeks after the conflict broke out in the State, multiple India Reserve Battalion camps across the valley area reported having their armouries “looted” of over 5,000 weapons, including INSAS rifles. Over 4,000 weapons are yet to be recovered.

NULM workers call off protest as GCC agrees to hike wages

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI

More than 8,000 workers staged the protest in some zones. The wages will be increased from ₹687 per day to ₹753, and paid with effect from April 1, 2024. Arrears will be paid next month

Reaching an agreement: GCC Commissioner J. Radhakrishnan meeting the representatives of National Urban Livelihoods Mission workers in Chennai on Thursday. Special arrangement Special arrangement

More than 8,000 workers, hired under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), decided to call off their protest to demand a wage hike on Thursday. After Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Commissioner J. Radhakrishnan held a meeting with representatives, the civic body agreed to increase the wages from ₹687 per day to ₹753 for sanitation workers, dog catchers, malaria control workers, slaughterhouse employees, and workers for impounding cattle.

The workers have been organising protests in zones such as Ambattur. At the meeting, the workers, led by K. Barathi, also wanted the GCC to shelve the proposal to outsource conservancy operations in zones such as Royapuram and Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar.

Mr. Radhakrishnan said the GCC would explore the feasibility of shelving the proposal. He, however, said the decision to permit private operators was taken several years ago and had been implemented in most zones, and added that the civic body would protect the livelihood of the workers.

As many as 1,000 women and over 400 male workers had been protesting in Ambattur zone over the past few days, leading to a rise in civic issues reported by residents in the 13 wards.

The wages will be paid from April 1, 2024, and arrears will be settled next month. The number of complaints about mosquitoes in the city has been on the rise in the past few days. Similarly, waste collection and animal birth control operations have also been hit.

Over 4,000 employees of the NULM are involved in garbage collection, while 2,000 workers are deployed for malaria control in the city. At least 75 dog catchers in the city are hired under the NULM.

V. Hari Prasanth, secretary of the Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam, said the GCC had agreed to the demand for toilets for women workers, maternity leave, mask, and gloves for all workers. The NULM workers have also demanded permanent jobs. The civic body is expected to incur an additional expenditure of ₹40 crore to implement the proposals based on demands of the workers.

Doctors demand implementation of G.O. on promotions

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI

The Legal Coordination Committee for Government Doctors requested the Health Secretary to take immediate steps to implement Government Order (G.O.) 354 relating to pay and promotions for government doctors, thereby paving the way for pay band-4 at 12 years of service, on a par with other States.

In a letter, the association said that it was not seeking a fresh salary hike but only the implementation of the existing G.O.. It also urged the Health Secretary to take steps to provide a government job to the wife of Vivekanandan, a government doctor who died while working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fire breaks out at Southern Railway godown in ICF

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI

Electrical and electronic equipment stored in a Southern Railway godown on Philips Road in Integral Coach Factory (ICF) were destroyed in a fire accident on Thursday. An official of the Southern Railway said the fire broke out around 8 a.m. at the godown where equipment of the signal and telecom department were stored. The Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services personnel at ICF and tenders deployed from the Ayanavaram, Vyasarpadi, Tondiarpet, Kolathur, Sembium, and Washermenpet put out the blaze after three hours. Southern Railway General Manager R.N. Singh has ordered a three-member committee to conduct an inquiry.

Man murders father, police launch search

CHENNAI:

CHENNAI: The Poonamallee police are looking for Venkatesan, 26, who murdered his father in a property dispute on Wednesday. The police identified the victim as Rajendran, 63, of Parivakkam near Poonamalle.

On Wednesday night, Venkatesan quarrelled with his father and ran him over with a van. Venkatesan then fled the spot.

Tambaram residents raise concern over levy of water charges on individual flats

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI

The Tambaram Municipal Corporation earlier collected charges based on the number of connections provided to an apartment complex , paid for by the association. Residents want the civic body to clarify how the payable amount was calculated, and also want the water supply to be improved

Additional sources: Since the Tambaram Municipal Corporation was formed in 2021, measures to boost water supply, such as drawing water from abandoned quarries, have been taken. B. VELANKANNI RAJ B. VELANKANNI RAJ

Residents in areas falling under the Tambaram Municipal Corporation have raised concern over the civic body’s decision to collect water charges from individual consumers at apartment complexes. They sought transparency in the levy of charges and issue of demand notices.

Residents said that they recently received text messages asking them to pay about ₹600 as water charges for the next half-year starting from September. Babu Venkataraman, secretary of an apartment complex on R.P. Road, Chromepet, said this came as a surprise to them as the civic body earlier collected charges based on the number of connections provided to an apartment complex, paid for by the association. “The civic body must improve the quantum of water supply and frequency of supply hours. They must provide additional water connections to apartments. We manage the shortfall with groundwater drawn from borewells,” he said. Residents added that piped water supply was provided once in three days, and the Municipal Corporation should clarify how the amount payable by an individual consumer was calculated.

V.S. Jayaraman of the T. Nagar Residents’ Welfare Association, said the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board had also revised its water charges from ₹84 to ₹89 per month without prior notice. Though the hike was marginal, residents should have been informed about it through various modes instead of only by a delayed announcement on the website. Residents, both in the city and suburbs, must be provided with adequate water supply, he added.

A senior official of the Tambaram Municipal Corporation said three modes to inform residents of charges had been implemented — pamphlets, text messages, and demand notices. With the fine tuning of the civic body’s online mechanism and minimising human intervention, the system of revenue officials for tax collection has been discontinued. Now, nearly 46% of the revenue is remitted online. Individual demand notices would also be issued for collecting tax for the half-yearly period, he added. Since the Tambaram Municipal Corporation was formed in 2021, various measures had been taken to boost water supply, including tapping into the Palar, drawing water collected in abandoned quarries, and sinking borewells. In the last year, steps were taken to provide piped water once in three days. The schedule was also uploaded on the official website, the senior official said. Responding to residents’ concern, officials of the Metrowater said the hike was part of the annual 5% revision in water and sewerage charges for residential buildings, which had been implemented since last year.

Chennai Metro Rail Limited tells High Court that it has no option but to impose tender conditions in favour of Japan

Mohamed Imranullah S.

CHENNAI

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) on Thursday, July 11, 2024 told the Madras High Court that it has received loan to the tune of several thousand crores of rupees at a negligible interest rate of 0.01% from the Government of Japan for Phase II of the Metro Rail Project and therefore it is contractually bound to incorporate a tender condition that 75% of the goods and services for installing elevators, escalators and travelators must be of Japanese origin.

Appearing before the first Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice R. Mahadevan and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq, Advocate General P.S. Raman said, there was no point in OTIS Elevator Company (India) Limited having challenged CMRL’s tender notifications instead of challenging the loan agreement entered between the Government of India and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on December 12, 2018.

He said, the loan agreement itself prescribes the procurement procedures and the eligibility criteria for the tenderers and therefore the CMRL was bound to follow the agreement. “The Japanese government is not here to do charity to CMRL. There has to be some quid pro quo. This is something that has been negotiated and discussed at the highest level in the Government. CMRL is helpless,” the A-G told the court. The submissions were made during the hearing of two writ appeals preferred by OTIS against the dismissal of its writ petitions by a single judge of the High Court. The company had challenged certain clauses of the tender notifications issued by CMRL in February and March this year for commissioning elevators, escalators and travelators in corridors 3 and 5 in the ongoing construction of phase II of the metro rail project.

The Bench led by the ACJ heard preliminary arguments advanced by senior counsel P.H. Arvindh Pandian for the appellant as well as Mr. Raman and decided to take up the matter for further hearing on July 22.

In his submissions, Mr. Pandian had contended that the tender conditions were illegal, arbitrary and unconstitutional since they were intended at benefitting select entities much to the disadvantage of Indian manufacturers.

Sri Ramachandra Institute sets up VR lab for medical training

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI

Our partnership with MediSim VR blends advanced technology and traditional teaching methods to bridge the gap between classroom theory and clinical practice K. Balaji Singh Dean, SRIHER

The Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) established a virtual reality (VR) laboratory in collaboration with MediSim VR.

The facility will offer immersive and interactive VR training to medical students across the country. MediSim VR has benefitted over 4,000 students through immersive, hands-on medical training. The technology helps medical professionals develop procedural competency and skill in a safe, controlled environment, thus bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application.

Institute dean K. Balaji Singh said: “Our partnership with MediSim VR blends advanced technology and traditional teaching methods to bridge the gap between classroom theory and clinical practice.”

Adith Chinnaswami, co-founder of MediSim VR, said the aim was to redefine medical education and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals. “By incorporating VR-based learning aides into the curriculum, we are setting a new standard for medical training and education, which will positively improve patient outcomes,” he said.

MediSim VR is a leading healthcare simulation company that offers patented technology designed to meet the unique needs of healthcare training worldwide.

Sixth Retina Summit will focus on retinopathy of prematurity

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI

The sixth Retina Summit, which commenced on Thursday and will be on till July 13, will focus on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Held in collaboration with the annual meeting of the Indian ROP Society, the summit will feature presentations and panel discussions on the latest challenges and advances in ROP management and medicolegal issues.

A press release said ROP was a serious retinal disorder that could cause blindness in infants. It is seen in premature babies due to incomplete development of the retinas’ blood vessels.

This eventually leads to abnormal growth of the retinal blood vessels and retinal detachment.

Parents often notice ROP when the infants are two or three months old. If detected early and managed properly, ROP-related blindness can be prevented. An ROP training workshop for young ophthalmologists and an awareness programme for medical and paramedical personnel involved in the care of premature infants has been planned.

Special medical camps for street food vendors launched

B. VELANKANNI RAJ B. VELANKANNI RAJ

The Food Safety Department in Chennai on Thursday launched special medical camps for street food vendors, including those selling pani puri. P. Satheesh Kumar, Designated Officer, Food Safety Department, Chennai, said the camps would be held once every week and would have ward-wise batches. “This includes street vendors selling/shandling food such as pani puri and bajji. As planned earlier, attendance has been made compulsory for all pani puri vendors,” he said. Safety and training certificates from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India were also issued. Earlier, the Food Safety Department had conducted inspections at pani puri outlets in the city.

Govt. to fete private schools that got 100% pass in Class XII

In an effort to encourage students and teachers, the State government will felicitate private schools that have recorded 100% pass in Class XII board examination on August 4. As many as 2,199 private matriculation higher secondary and 1,750 private high schools will be recognised in this event. Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development Udhayanidhi Stalin and School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi will also felicitate 78 students who won medals in various sports competitions at the international level, 255 students at the national level, and 1,579 students at the State level in August.

PMK flays bid to withhold service quota

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Thursday criticised the State Health Department’s move to withhold service reservation of seats in certain specialities for 2024-25. In a statement, he said it was announced that the number of seats reserved in postgraduate admissions for service candidates will be decided dynamically each year, and this was against social justice.

The Hindu Bureau

Chennai

The government has implemented Tamil Nadu Health System Reform Project at $287 million to improve healthcare with the support of the World Bank, says Health Minister Ma. Subramanian

Health Minister Ma. Subramanian with a team of World Bank officials in the U.S. on Wednesday. Special Arrangement Special Arrangement

Health Minister Ma. Subramanian on Wednesday met with a team of World Bank officials in the U.S. to discuss funding sources and action plan for improving health infrastructure in the State.

The Minister, while speaking at the meeting, said the World Bank has supported the Tamil Nadu Health System Reform Project of $287 million.

“We have implemented this five-year project to improve healthcare with the support of the World Bank. We have also got a good rating from the World Bank for effective implementation of the project,” he said.

He noted that Tamil Nadu is known for its remarkable track record of excelling in healthcare delivery through its impressive achievements in the health sector.

“The State has a rich history of pioneering public health initiatives through its dynamic public health system started way back in 1923,” he said.

The team of World Bank officials included Martin Raiser, Regional Vice President, South Asia; Mamta Murthi, Vice President, Human Development; Ilango Patchamuthu, Director, Strategy and Operations, South Asia; Nicole Klingen, South Asia Regional Director for Human Development and Juan Pablo Uribe, Global Director for Health, Nutrition, and Population.

Gagandeep Singh Bedi, former Health Secretary, was also present.

School principal and administrator booked for not reporting sexual assault incidents to police

The Hindu Bureau

COIMBATORE

Following the arrest of a librarian at a CBSE school in Coimbatore on Wednesday for alleged sexual assault on at least three female students, the police said on Thursday that the school’s administrator and principal have also been booked for not acting upon earlier complaints by the students’ parents.

Paul Raj, the school’s librarian, was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly assaulting the students.

The First Information Report (FIR) registered in the case also names the school’s administrative head, Thandapani, and principal, Maheswari, for allegedly failing to report the accusations to the police.

‘Bring Manjolai tea estates under TANTEA’

The Hindu Bureau

TirunelvelI

The Manjolai Area Residents’ Welfare Association has appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to bring the Manjolai tea estates in the Western Ghats under Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation Corporation (TANTEA) and allow the existing tea estate workforce of Manjolai to continue their work in the tea gardens as it would ensure their livelihood.

Retired railway station master and president of the association V.M. Chelladurai and advocate M.A. Arasu Amalraj, both hailing from Manjolai, said the Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Private Limited (BBTC) directed the tea estate workers to leave the tea estate area immediately. After the aggrieved tea estate workers approached the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, the Court ordered the BBTC to maintain status quo until the verdict was delivered.

Probe into swindling of trust funds begins

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI

The Kilpauk police launched an investigation into a complaint lodged by Duraikannu, Secretary of the Pachaiyappas Educational Trust, alleging that its former Superintendent had misappropriated ₹39 lakh from the trust’s bank account during 2017-21.

The complaint stated that the misappropriation by the former Superintendent came to light during auditing.

The trust has its account at the Kilpauk branch of the Indian Overseas Bank. Preliminary inquiries revealed that Sekar, who handled the trust’s cash and other records, had swindled the money by submitting forged receipts to the bank.

Court allows custodial inquiry of BSP leader murder case suspects

The Hindu Bureau

Chennai

The 11 suspects, who were remanded in judicial custody and lodged in the Puzhal prison, were produced before the court through video-conference

Though the police sought 11 days for custodial interrogation, the magistrate court in Egmore granted only five. JOTHI RAMALINGAM B

A magistrate court in Egmore on Thursday allowed a five-day custodial interrogation of 11 suspects who were arrested in connection with the murder of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader K. Armstrong here.

A gang of six persons, clad in food delivery executives’ uniforms, attacked Armstrong with knives on Venugopala Samy Kovil Street in Perambur last week. He was rushed to a hospital, and declared dead subsequently. Three others were injured in the attack.

Following a complaint from the victim’s brother, Veeramani, special teams were constituted to nab the suspects. V. Ponnai Balu, 39 of Ranipet district; S. Thirumalai, 45, of Perambur; K. Manivannan, 25 of Thiruvallur district; and K. Thiruvenkadam, 33, of Kundrathur, were among those arrested.

Police sources said that Balu’s brother and history-sheeter ‘Arcot’ Suresh, 48, was hacked to death by a gang in Pattinambakkam in August last year. During interrogation, Balu told the police that Armstrong had abetted the killers of his brother indirectly.

Hence, in retaliation, Armstrong was murdered, the police sources added.

The arrested persons were remanded in judicial custody, and lodged in the Puzhal Central Prison.

They were produced before the magistrate through video-conference from the prison. Though the police had sought seven days for custodial interrogation, the court granted only five.

Cannot remit Post Matric Scholarship scheme money to educational institutions, Centre tells Madras High Court

Mohamed Imranullah S.

CHENNAI

The Centre told the Madras High Court on Thursday that it cannot be forced to remit tuition fee under the Post Matric Scholarship scheme (PMS) for Scheduled Caste students directly into the bank accounts of educational institutions just because some of the students have not transferred the amount to the institutions concerned.

Appearing before the first Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice R. Mahadevan and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq, who were seized of a writ appeal filed by the Centre against a single judge’s verdict, Additional Solicitor General AR.L. Sundaresan said that the court could not tamper with a scheme devised by the executive.

He told the Bench that the scheme aimed at increasing the gross enrolment ratio of Scheduled Caste students in higher educational institutions, and the scholarship amount was being disbursed jointly by the Centre and the State governments in a 60:40 ratio.

In the initial years, the tuition fee component was credited directly into the bank accounts of educational institutions and only other components, such as the money required for purchasing books, were remitted into the bank accounts of students. However, between 2014 and 2017, there were instances of educational institutions misusing the scheme by claiming tuition fee in the name of fictitious students. Therefore, it was decided to remit the tuition fee component too to the bank accounts of students on the condition that the students transfer it to their educational institutions within seven days. This mode of payment had been working seamlessly across the country, the ASG said. However, a few associations of engineering and polytechnic colleges in Tamil Nadu filed a batch of writ petitions before the High Court in 2023, complaining about many beneficiaries not having transferred their tuition fee, running to several crores of rupees, for the last few academic years. A single judge of the court disposed of the writ petitions in February this year, directing the Centre and the State government to repay the tuition fee to the institutions concerned.

Assailing the directions, the ASG said that the governments could not be ordered to remit the tuition fee again, if the students had indulged in criminal misappropriation.

Advocate General P.S. Raman told the court that only less than 2% of the students in Tamil Nadu had failed to transfer the tuition fee to the institutions. Representing the educational institutions, advocate Kandhan Doraisami said they would suffer a huge loss if they could not recover the tuition fee.

The Acting Chief Justice directed the Registry to list the matter for orders after two weeks.

T.N. will soon unveil policies on Deep Tech and Artificial Intelligence, says Minister

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI

Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan at the event organised to mark the first anniversary of iTNT Hub on Thursday. B. Jothi Ramalingam B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services Palanivel Thiaga Rajan on Thursday said Tamil Nadu would soon unveil policies on Deep Tech and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and that the State was expecting to set up a Deep Tech fund.

“In the recent discussion on the demands for grant for the IT and Digital Services Department in the Assembly, we spoke about a mantra or slogan, ‘Innovate in Tamil Nadu’. As we are the most industrialised State with the greatest talent pool, we need to use the innovation approach to stimulate our economy and achieve Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s vision of a $1-Trillion economy by 2030,” he said at an event to mark the first anniversary of Tamil Nadu Technology Hub (iTNT Hub).

“We are at an interesting inflection point in the technology space with the advent of Deep Tech and AI...,” Mr. Thiaga Rajan said, adding that in alignment with the Centre’s Deep Tech Policy, which is expected to be announced soon, the State government would focus on areas of technology product design to facilitate new product development with a confluence of product designers, and developers, and manufacturing support. Later, he told mediapersons that the Tamil Nadu government had been taking steps to ensure that start-ups were set up in the State.

Addressing the event through video-conference, S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, stressed the need to bring all start-up ecosystems together. At the event, the iTNT Hub inked MoUs with Tamil Nadu Smart and Advance Manufacturing Centre, in association with Siemens; Tamil Nadu Centres of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing, in association with Dassault Systèmes; Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Fund Management Corporation; Amazon Web Services India; Microsoft India; D Labs Incubator Association; India School of Business; T-Hub; and T-Works, Hyderabad.

Sri Lankan Navy arrests 13 fishers from Pudukottai

The Hindu Bureau

PUDUKOTTAI

Recurrent problem: The fishermen had set sail on three mechanised boats. File photo The Hindu

The Sri Lankan Navy on Thursday arrested 13 fishermen of Pudukottai district for trespassing into the waters of the island nation.

Coastal Security Group sources said that the fishermen had put out to sea on three mechanised boats from Jagadapattinam and Kottaipattinam coastal villages on Wednesday. They were apprehended around 1 a.m., while fishing near Neduntheevu.

The arrested fishers are – R. Selvakumar, S. Vijayapriyan, S. Vijayaprakash, P. Kasiraja, V. Sekar, I. Manikandan, V. Subhash, R. Rahmathullah, M. Thirumurugan, K. Chandrasekar, M. Manikandan, P. Karthik, and M. Jayakumar.

They were taken to the Kankesanthurai harbour in the island nation, the sources added.

Ensure release: CM

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin wrote to Minister for External Affairs S. Jaishankar, requesting to activate appropriate diplomatic channels to ensure the immediate release of all the arrested fishermen and their boats.

“Our fishermen, who depend on the sea for their livelihood, face an unprecedented crisis. Currently, the Sri Lankan authorities have detained 173 fishing boats and 80 fishermen, causing severe distress to their families,” Mr. Stalin said in the letter.

He sought strong and coordinated efforts by the Centre to address the issue at the earliest.

Condemning the incident, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, in a statement, pointed out that this was the second such arrest by the Sri Lankan Navy this month. The arrest of fishermen had become a frequent occurrence, he said.

Centre withholding funds for projects in Tamil Nadu, says CM

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin handing over the keys to a beneficiary of Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam scheme in Dharmapuri on Thursday. N. BashkaranBASHKARAN N

This path was delineated by former Chief Ministers Arignar Anna (C. N. Annadurai) and Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi. The people were reciprocating well, the Chief Minister said, citing a couple of instances of the direct response he had received from petitioners owing to the grievance redressal through the specially created Mudhalvanin Mugavari Department.

The people were with the government and vice-versa. The government would continue striving to bring about real growth and make Tamil Nadu the best State in the country. “This is the reason for the success of the Dravidian Model. The Union government has to learn a lesson at least now,” Mr. Stalin said.

Reiterating the State government’s keenness to fulfill requirements of the people at the grassroots, Mr. Stalin said that after donning the mantle, the DMK government had, so far, redressed 66,25,304 out of 68,30,281 petitions that it received through the centralised coordination of the Mudhalvarin Mugavari Department. In Dharmapuri district, 73,428 grievance petitions of the public were redressed.

He also commissioned 621 projects, being implemented at a cost of ₹444.77 crore, and handed over welfare assistance to the tune of ₹56.04 crore to beneficiaries on the occasion. Ministers K.N. Nehru and M.R.K. Paneerselvam, and Collector K. Shanthi were present.

‘Ooty lake should be protected under 2017 Wetland Rules’

The Hindu Bureau

Chennai

The Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority has informed the Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that the Ooty lake had to be protected under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.

The Nilgiris district administration had earlier contended before the Bench that the lake was ‘man-made’, and could not be considered as a wetland. However, a status report that was recently filed by G. Kiran, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wetland), State Wetland Authority, as part of a suo motu petition against construction of facilities for development of tourism, has pointed out that the lake — spanning over 2.25 hectares — was covered under the National Wetland Inventory and Assessment Report, 2011.

Consequently, it has to be protected under Rule 4 of the 2017 Rules in accordance with a direction of the Supreme Court. According to the Rules, conversion for non-wetland uses such as encroachment and constructing structures of permanent nature, barring boat jetties, within fifty metres from the mean high flood level is prohibited.

According to a report submitted before the Bench by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Limited and the Nilgiris Collector, construction of infrastructure for adventure activities had been carried out without getting a No-Objection Certificate. Mr. Kiran had pointed out in his report that though the constructed structures were of temporary nature, built above the ground level, the basements were of permanent nature, constructed with concrete and cement.

Man killed in police encounter in Pudukottai; SI injured

The Hindu Bureau

PUDUKOTTAI

A “history-sheeter”, Duraisamy alias ‘MGR Nagar’ Durai was allegedly killed in a police encounter at Vamban near Pudukottai on Thursday.

The police said that, acting on an information that Durai was hiding in a eucalyptus grove with weapons, a team led by an Inspector rushed to apprehend him.

However, Durai allegedly attacked the police personnel, injuring a sub-inspector (SI). This necessitated the Inspector to open two rounds of fire in self defence. The SI sustained an injury on his right hand.

Durai was rushed to the Pudukottai Government Medical College Hospital, where he was declared brought dead. The SI was admitted to the Government Hospital in Alangudi.

Several cases

Police sources said that Durai, a resident of MGR Nagar in Tiruchi City, had several murder and other criminal cases booked against him in different police stations in Tiruchi, Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Coimbatore, Theni and Madurai districts.

In one such grave case, reported in Pudukottai in December 2022 wherein a history-sheeter was killed by an armed gang after he appeared before a court, Durai was the prime accused.

He was under police surveillance and had associates in different districts, the police said.

Officials inspect spot

The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Tiruchi Range, M. Manohar; and Superintendent of Police, Pudukottai, Vandita Pandey; inspected the spot where the encounter happened, and conducted an inquiry.

Stalin, EPS pay tributes to late freedom fighter

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami paid floral tributes to the statue of late freedom fighter Veeran Azhagumuthu Kone, on the occasion of his birth anniversary in Chennai on Thursday. Ministers K.R. Periakaruppan, R.S. Rajakannappan and P.K. Sekarbabu; Chennai Mayor R. Priya; North Chennai MP Kalanidhi Veeraswamy; and legislators I. Paranthamen, Thayagam Kavi, A. Vetriazhagan, and A.M.V. Prabhakararaja were present when the Chief Minister paid his tributes. AIADMK presidium chairman A. Tamilmagan Hussain and former Ministers K.P. Munusamy, S. Gokula Indira, D. Jayakumar, and C. Vijayabaskar were present when Mr. Palaniswami paid his tributes.

CB-CID searches AIADMK functionary’s house in Karur

CB-CID personnel on Thursday searched the house of Kavin, an Information Technology wing functionary of the AIADMK, in Karur reportedly in connection with the land grab case registered against former AIADMK Minister M.R. Vijayabhaskar. They began the search at Mr. Kavin’s residence at Amman Nagar in Andankovil around 6.30 a.m. Mr. Kavin was not in the house when the CB-CID team carried out the search. In his absence, the personnel conducted inquiries with his father. The search, which lasted for over an hour, comes on the heels of similar searches carried out by the CB-CID personnel at the house of Mr. Vijayabhaskar in Karur, and the properties owned by his brother Sekar and relatives. Mr. Vijayabhaskar, also the district secretary of the AIADMK, has not appeared in public functions for over a month now.

YouTuber arrested for ‘derogatory’ comments against late CM

The Hindu Bureau

TIRUCHI

A special team of the Tiruchi Rural police arrested YouTuber and NTK member ‘Saattai’ Durai Murugan at Tenkasi on Thursday for his alleged derogatory remarks against former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and the Scheduled Caste community at a public meeting on July 8, in the run-up to the byelection to the Vikravandi constituency.

The arrest was based on a complaint lodged by one A.K. Arun with the Superintendent of Police, Tiruchi. He said that Mr. Murugan had made the remarks against the late DMK leader with the intention of defaming him. Additionally, he made remarks that amounted to instigating conflict between the SC and other communities, he said. Mr. Murugan was booked under sections 196 (1), 192, 353, 111 (1) (2) of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and sections 3 (1) (r) (s) of the SC/ST(Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Later, Mr. Murugan was produced before a court, which rejected the request to remand him in custody.

How a co-operative model of farming helped boost floriculture in Tamil Nadu

Sangeetha Kandavel

In the late 1990s, Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation conceived a project on 50 hectares to drive up flower cultivation. Under this initiative, named TANFLORA, individual growers would produce flowers under a common brand. TIDCO chose Hosur in Krishnagiri district for this venture because of its climatic conditions

A unique model: TANFLORA is producing flowers on 30 hectares. It plans to bring 50 hectares under polyhouse cultivation, incorporate value addition, and add more products to the portfolio. N. Bashkaran The Hindu

In the late 1990s, when information technology was fledgling and manufacturing was booming, the Tamil Nadu government identified floriculture as another priority area. It devised a co-operative model of farming for its development. This initiative, named TANFLORA (Tamil Nadu Flora), has grown manifold. Today, flowers grown under TANFLORA, especially roses, are exported to various countries.

The seeds for this venture were sown under the leadership of M.S. Sreenivasan, then Chairman and Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO). “It was planned to have a project on 50 hectares where individual growers would be allotted 2 hectares each. The concept of TANFLORA was production by individual growers under a common brand [similar to Carmel of AGREXCO, Israel],” says TIDCO Managing Director Sandeep Nanduri. Hosur in Krishnagiri district was an ideal location for this venture because of its climatic conditions.

Study done and concept finalised

The project was first named Floriculture Infrastructure Park. The TIDCO studied the techno-economic feasibility of the project and its officials visited Israel. Then, it finalised the concept of co-operative farming backed by common infrastructure. Then, CCL Flowers Ltd. was the largest grower of cut roses, on 15 hectares, in Hosur. The company was producing exotic Dutch roses and exporting them. CCL Flowers Ltd. was conceived by its managing director, Naseem Ahmed, of MNA & Associates. The TIDCO roped it in as a joint venture partner. The total equity was ₹591.40 lakh, which was contributed equally by the TIDCO and the MNA Group. TANFLORA Infrastructure Park Limited was incorporated on May 27,1998, and an agreement was signed on October 23, 1998, by the TIDCO and the MNA & Associates.

The project came up near Amudagondapalli. Naseem Ahmed became the first managing director of the company that was conceived as the fourth largest project for flowers in the world, with a production target of 65 million stem roses a year on a 53-hectare campus. According to Mr. Nanduri, “TANFLORA laid out a production area of 53 hectares. It retained 3 hectares for a model production unit and created 25 grower units of 2 hectares each, which were allotted to 25 individual companies.” The role of the grower was to establish production facilities and hand over roses to TANFLORA for processing and marketing.

But it took a lot of struggle for TANFLORA to get this project up and running. In 2001, there was a major setback: a term loan of ₹995 lakh sanctioned to TANFLORA by SIDBI, Chennai, in July 2001, was re-called on the demise of Naseem Ahmed. TANFLORA had to struggle for loans and then the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) released ₹342 lakh in grant for establishing cold storage and a grading hall. With the support of the TIDCO, funds to the tune of ₹6.48 crore were provided under ASIDE Scheme, and SBI Agriculture Development Branch, Hosur, came forward to lend to TANFLORA and its 25 growers. And then Najeeb Ahmed took over as the TANFLORA managing director.

“It was 2006 when the project came to be implemented. In 2009, the growers suffered a huge damage to their polyhouses from a heavy storm. But SBI gave some concessions in interest. And by the end of March 2012, all the loans were cleared,” recalls Mr. Najeeb Ahmed. The project ran into another hurdle in 2014: a severe water shortage. This issue was addressed by the TIDCO with the support of the government. “We were permitted to draw water from the Kelavarapally Dam,” he says. “Currently, TANFLORA is doing well. We are a debt-free project. And we have been giving dividends,” he adds.

Drought since 2011

Asked how much water is consumed, Mr. Nanduri says, “TANFLORA will consume 3 million litres of water a day. Since 2011, the area has been facing a severe drought. When TANFLORA was started, the project had 34 borewells on the campus, which were enough to meet its needs. The borewells are no longer a reliable source. TANFLORA invested a large sum in establishing facilities to store over 13 crore litres of rainwater; but these facilities could not be utilised fully because of the failing rainfall.”

According to the TIDCO, there were a number of old red rose varieties introduced to India by European breeders in the early 1990s. TANFLORA acquired global rights to a new red rose in 2005 from an European breeder. Negotiations were held at Amsterdam with the help of TIDCO and APEDA officials. TANFLORA named it ‘Taj Mahal, Symbol of Love’. It is a leading variety from India now in the world markets. “Today, Taj Mahal is the de facto standard red rose grown in every floriculture project in India, and the production of all other red rose varieties has ceased. Taj Mahal gave TANFLORA the ability to produce flowers that were on a par with those from European or African growers,” Mr. Nanduri notes.

Mr. Nanduri says, “TANFLORA is producing flowers on 30 hectares. Future goals are to bring 50 hectares under polyhouse cultivation, incorporate value addition, and add more products to the portfolio.” TANFLORA’s revenue stood at ₹11.19 crore for the financial year 2023-24.

An iconic complex spotlights the cultural mosaic of Thanjavur

T. Ramakrishnan

Representing the best in Nayak and Maratha architecture, the complex on 10 acres comprises the seven-storey Arsenal Tower, Bell Tower, Durbar Hall, Sangeetha Mahal, and the Sarjah Madi, apart from the library, which is regarded as one of the oldest in Asia

Central piece: The Arsenal Tower might have been used as a bedroom by the Nayak kings. Attached to it was Anthapuram, where the kings had their harem.R. Ragu The Hindu

Thanjavur, one of the great symbols of the rich history of Tamil civilisation, is not only home to the Chola-era Brihadeeswara Temple (the Big Temple) of the 11th Century CE, but also a fine example of cultural mosaic. The city, situated in the heart of the Cauvery delta, was ruled by the Nayaks and the Marathas between the 16th Century CE and 19th Century CE. The Thanjavur Palace-Sarasvathi Mahal Library illustrates the city’s mosaic.

Being mostly under the control of the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology, the palace, with its ambience, transports any visitor to the medieval era. Representing the best in Nayak and Maratha architecture, the complex, spread over 10 acres, consists of several structures such as the seven-storey Arsenal Tower (Kudavayil Balasubramanian, in his 1995 publication on Thanjavur, states that it is eight-storey), Bell Tower, Durbar Hall, Sangeetha Mahal, and the Sarjah Madi (a structure added by Serfoji II in 1830 CE), apart from the library, which is regarded as one of the oldest in Asia.

Embellished by the Marathas

Located one km away from the Big Temple, the Palace, also called Periyakottai (the big fort), was initially built by the Nayaks: Sevappa Nayak (1535-1560) and Achuthappa Nayak (1560-1614). Among the structures constructed during their period were the Arsenal Tower, Durbar Hall and Sangeetha Mahal. The Maratha kings were responsible for the construction of Sadar Mahal and Pooja Mahal in the 18th-19th Centuries, besides embellishment of the original structures.

The Arsenal Tower, known as Indira Mandiram, might have been used as a bedroom by the Nayak kings. Attached to it was Anthapuram where the kings had their harem.

During the British Raj, it was used as a military store. Raghunatha Nayak (1600-1633) and Vijaya Raghava Nayak (1633-1673) had contributed to the improvement of the structure. The former, known for his services in the fields of art and architecture, was said to have built the hall overlooking the tower, which had the influence of Muslim architecture. There is a view that the Nayaks, who ruled from 1532 CE to 1676 CE, must have tried to construct the tower on the lines of the 216-foot Vimana of the Brihadeeswara Temple, but could not succeed. In fact, Sevappa Nayak had first raised a fort in front of the Sivaganga Park, adjacent to the temple, and ruled from there. This was called the “small fort” and was occupied by him for five to six years from 1535 CE.

Revival of a great city

Actually, it was the Nayak era that marked the revival of Thanjavur as a great city of political, social, and cultural importance. After the fall of Cholas in the 13th Century CE, Maravarman Sundara Pandyan and Malik Kafur, Alauddin Khalji’s lieutenant, 100 years later, reduced the city to one of insignificance, according to the book on Thanjavur.

Just as the Arsenal Tower, other structures on the campus had their original names. For example, the Maratha Durbar Hall was called Lakshmi Vilasam. Mr. Balasubramanian was quoted in a report of The Hindu on September 4, 1994, as saying that there were two Durbar Halls — Maratha Durbar Hall, used by the Marathas, and the other used by the Nayaks. Both the Nayaks and the Marathas used the first Durbar Hall as their court hall.

Officially called the Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji’s Sarasvati Mahal Library and Research Centre, the treasure trove was established by the Nayaks as a royal library. After the capture of Thanjavur by the Marathas, it was further developed into a matchless resource centre. It was in this context that the role of Serfoji II (1798-1832), the scion of the Bhosle dynasty who ruled over Thanjavur during the period, assumed vital importance. As a tribute to his service, his statue has been erected at a prominent place in the Nayak’s Durbar Hall-Bronze Gallery. Serfoji was an eminent scholar in many branches of learning and the arts. In his early age, he studied under the influence of Friedrich Schwarz, a Christian missionary, and learned many languages, including English, French, Italian, and Latin. The library has been recognised by the Union government as an institution of national importance.

A rare collection

The library, functioning under the Thanjavur Collector since 1918, has a rare collection of palm-leaf manuscripts in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, English, and a few other languages indigenous to India. The collection comprises over 60,000 volumes. The library supports efforts to publish rare manuscripts from the collection and ensures that all volumes are preserved in microfilm. The bulk of the manuscripts (39,300) are in Sanskrit, written in scripts such as Grantha, Devanagari, Nandinagari, Telugu, and Tamil, comprising titles in literature, music, and medicine, according to the website of the Union Ministry of Culture.

The palace complex has been renovated over the years. As part of the 1995 World Tamil Conference, the renovation was carried out by the Tamil Nadu government in coordination with the Archaeological Survey of India. At present, the State Department of Archaeology is renovating the Sarjah Madi at a cost of ₹9.4 crore. There is still scope for improvement, which can be done only through the efforts of a proactive administration and a history-conscious society.

The painful spectacle of 47 wives of the Ramanathapuram king committing

B. Kolappan

J.H. Nelson records in his that the women threw themselves on the pyre of Kizhavan Sethupathy in 1710, some distance away from the Ramanathapuram palace. Another sati was performed in 1720 when Tanda Devan, son-in-law of Vijayaraghunatha Sethupathy, was executed, writes historian S.M. Kamal

Popular ruler: The statue of Kizhavan Sethupathy at the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram. Under his rule, Maravar Seemai attained great heights.

Ramanathapuram, known as Maravar Seemai that attained great heights during the reign of Kizhavan Sethupathy, also witnessed one of the “painful spectacles” of sati, a system that allowed the wives of a king to die in his funeral pyre. “No fewer than forty-seven of his wives burnt themselves, I should perhaps more correctly say were burnt upon his funeral pyre,” according to J.H. Nelson, author of The Madura Country: A Manual. It happened in 1710. The incident is also confirmed by S.M. Kamal, author of Ramanathapuram Maavattam: Varalattru Kurippugal (Ramanathapuram District: Historical Records). Under the tile, Theekulitha Karigaikal, he writes that all the 47 wives of the king committed sati some distance away from the Ramanathapuram palace.

Dispatches of Father Martin

In recording the incident, Nelson depended on the dispatches of Father Martin, a Jesuit, who resided 10 years in the neighbouring Moravar. “A large and deep ditch was dug at some little distance from the town of Ramanathapuram, and nearly filled up with a vast quantity of wood; and at the proper moment, the body of the dead Prince, richly clothed and adorned, was laid upon the top of the pile, which was then set fire to at the bottom in many places, whilst diverse ceremonies were performed by the attendant Brahmans. When the lower part of the pile had begun to burn briskly, the troop of victims drew near to what was to be their sacrificial altar, all covered from head to foot with jewels and crowned with garlands of flowers, and began to move round the pit in procession,” he writes.

Shortly afterwards, the chief widow held aloft the sword of her husband and addressed his successor. “See here,” she said, “the weapon with which our King was wont to triumph over his enemies: be careful never to use it for any other purpose, and above all never to stain it with the blood of your subjects. Govern them as he governed them, like a father; and like him you will live happily for many years. As for me, since he is no more there is nothing left that should keep me in this world, and I have but to follow him whither he is gone.” With these words, she placed the sword in the hands of the new king, who received it without betraying any sign of emotion, and then with a wild cry threw herself boldly on the pile, calling loudly upon the names of her Gods.

The event witnessed poignant moments when his second wife, the sister of the Tondaiman Raja of Pudukkottai, prepared herself for sati. Tondaiman Raja was present. He had to take from his sister the jewels with which she was adorned. “Whilst doing so, he could not restrain his tears. Throwing himself upon her bosom, he embraced her with the tenderest affection: but the unhappy woman appeared to be all unmoved; and after looking for a few moments now at the pile, now at the attendants, and crying out now and again O! Siva, Siva, threw herself on the burning mass with the same boldness as the first,” Nelson writes of the event.

Though all the widows followed suit, “one only more timid than her fellows ran and threw herself on the neck of a Christian soldier who was standing by and implored him to save her”.

“But her entreaties were ineffectual. The man was violating the explicit orders of his priests in being present at this ceremony, and being alarmed at public attention being attracted to him shook off the unfortunate woman with so great violence that she lost her balance and fell headlong into the pit. At the same moment, he hastily withdrew, his whole frame shivering with a presentiment of coming evil, and barely reached his home before he was attacked by a raging fever which a few hours afterwards ended his life,” writes Nelson.

Though the women exhibited boldness, they made frantic efforts to escape their doom, after feeling the heat of the furnace. “Hurrying to and fro, struggling and fighting, tumbling one over another, they vainly endeavoured to reach the edge of the pile; and filled the air with ear-piercing screams and groans. And in order to smother their cries, and at the same time accelerate the burning of the mass, it became necessary to throw heaps of heavy faggots upon the heads of the victims. After this, their voices grew more and more feeble; and at last were altogether lost in the crackling and roaring of the flames,” writes Nelson.

Temple built over the place

Their charred bones and ashes were collected in rich cloth and immersed in the sea at Rameswaram. A temple was erected on the ground in honour of the king and his wives.

Another sati was performed in 1720 when Tanda Devan, the son-in-law of Vijayaraghunatha Sethupathy, was executed. Tanda Devan, the ruler of Pampan Kottai, had married the two daughters of the Sethupathy. The king had made arrangements for the pilgrims to cross the Pampan canal to reach Rameswaram. “But Tanda Devan collected tax from the pilgrims and it angered the Sethupathy, who ordered the execution of Tanda Devan. Sethupathy’s two daughters committed sati,” writes Kamal.

Sati was prevalent in almost all kingdoms of Tamil country, but Rani Mangammal, wife of Chokkanatha Nayak of Madurai, escaped it because she was pregnant when the king died. Later, she made it clear that no one was capable of bringing up a newborn until he came of age. Sati in those days was common. When Sundara Cholan, the father of Raja Raja I, died, his mother Vanavanmahadevi committed sati. Raja Raja I was still an infant. The incident has been recorded in an inscription at Tirukkoyilur.

The gruesome practice was banned in 1829 by Lord William Bentinck, the governor of Fort William (Bengal) from 1828 to 1834 and the first Governor-General of India from 1834 to 1835.

(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts

is available on the State’s health helpline 104,

Tele-MANAS 14416, and Sneha’s suicide

prevention helpline 044-24640050.)

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Reading the tea leaves ahead of China’s Third Plenum

M.K. Narayanan a former Director, Intelligence Bureau, a former National Security Adviser, and a former Governor of West Bengal

Commentators in the West have been stating for some time that it was time to move beyond the rosy vision of a post-Cold War world, as, according to them, Moscow and Beijing (and certain other states aligned with them) could no longer be expected to become responsible stakeholders within a rules-based international order. Against this backdrop, considerable attention is being devoted to the Third Plenum of China’s 20th Party Congress for signs of a possible thaw. There is a lingering hope that the plenum, scheduled to be held from July 15-18, might signify a shift in policy and a change in direction, at least as far as China is concerned. Pessimism is, nevertheless, rife in the West that China would ever subscribe to the idea that the security of every country is intimately linked to the security of the other. Yet, China is well known to spring surprises.

Meantime, a belief exists in the West that China had ‘peaked’ economically following its disastrous ‘Zero COVID’ policy. Also, that China’s economy is still in terminal decline. Hence, the plenum might well pave the way for a change in direction, unlikely though it might look as of now. There is, thus, considerable interest, all around, about the eventual outcome of the plenum.

Economic reforms, issues

The fact that the date of the Third Plenum has been advanced this time — it normally takes place in October or November of the year following the standard Five Year Party Congress interval — has spurred this speculation that China is contemplating sweeping reforms to ensure China’s rapid progress in the period ahead. Third Plenums typically set the economic strategy for the next five to 10 years, and are generally viewed as the most crucial Plenum in the Central Committee’s five-year cycle. Across the world, many still recall that it was at the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Party Congress in December 1978 that Deng Xiaoping unveiled a whole new range of economic reforms that set China on the path of economic resurgence.

That China has economic problems is not denied: an ageing population, shrinking workforce, high levels of debt, and an economy that is still facing problems, notwithstanding the measures that have been put in place. This has given rise to a great deal of pessimism within China itself about its future. Hopes are high that the Plenum will come out with certain new guidelines that would at least convey an impression to the people and the world outside that China’s economy is in good shape.

It has been a long time since any meeting devoted almost entirely to economic reforms has been programmed by the leaders of China’s Communist Party. Most outside experts, however, are uncertain whether the plenum would indeed provide China an opportunity to experiment with new ideas. Further, that the current leadership would do so. Understandably, China’s ‘Maximum Leader’, Xi Jinping, is hardly in a position to repeat what Deng Xiaoping said at the plenum in 1978 (which was held after Mao’s demise), that China had been 30% wrong, though 70% right. This would amount to an admission of failure on Mr. Xi’s part, which could impact his future.

The view about China’s ‘intentions’

The West’s drumbeat of allegations against China is, meanwhile, set to continue. Notwithstanding the outcome of the plenum deliberations, they will convince themselves that China’s ‘gray zone coercion’ tactics are likely to continue. Activities such as ‘disinformation’ campaigns, interference in elections in democracies, military provocations in the seas around China, within and outside the First and Second Island Chains, the threat to Taiwan and countries in the South and East China Seas will, they claim, remain. Taiwan would also continue to remain the centrepiece of China’s military and propaganda offensive.

Countries in Asia in particular, may, therefore, need to contend specifically with the threat posed by a mix of Chinese values, cultural expansionism, and national security paranoia. China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) well encompass many of China’s beliefs, leaving little scope for any adjustment. Having elevated the issue of national security to the highest level, Mr. Xi in turn sees danger everywhere. And this increases the paranoia about China’s intentions in Asia, as also elsewhere.

China’s approach is, thus, likely to add a great deal of ‘flux’ to an already difficult regional and global situation. It could also pose a dilemma for India’s policymakers. For many years now, and more so since 2020, India’s relations with China have remained under deep strain. This is not solely due to the tense situation prevailing on the China-India border, but has been the catalyst. As far as the border is concerned, the Chinese still demonstrate little ‘give’, despite India indicating a willingness to show more flexibility.

The result of all this is that both China and India appear to be hardening their attitudes. Already, reams are being written in India about the size of Beijing’s growing missile and nuclear inventory. China’s approach to the deployment of dual capability missiles is being adversely commented upon. Members from India’s strategic community also continue to draw attention to the danger posed by China’s Rocket Force (which oversees its nuclear and conventional missiles), and about the advances made by China in space and electronic warfare. The broad hint is that India should prepare for the worst, and take adequate steps in the event of a confrontation.

The issue, therefore, is whether a confrontation is inevitable, or whether an attempt could be made to deflect China’s ‘evil intentions’ through diplomacy and other means. This has no relationship to the relative difference in China’s and India’s force structure, and is intended, at best, to avoid any misadventure through wrong signalling. There is no hint forthcoming, that China would respond positively to such overtures, given China’s hard line stance and its aggressive mien. This is, however, as good a time as any for any experimentation, given that the economic and the strategic consequences of a conflict would be grim for both countries.

Where India stands

Today, India is far better positioned than China to take such an initiative. It is on the cusp of becoming a ‘major’ from a ‘middle level’ power. Its economic parameters are among the best in the world at present. It has a strong and focused leadership and has friends across the spectrum in all corners of the world. An initiative on India’s part at this time would not be seen as a sign of weakness; it would be tantamount to a major initiative in favour of world peace. In the long history of China-India rivalry and conflict, from the early 1960s till date, there have been many periods when India has taken the initiative, and on occasions with spectacular outcomes. In the realm of diplomacy, place names such as Sumdorong Chu and Wangdung still reverberate. In terms of grand initiatives, Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s path-breaking visit to China in 1988 and his discussions with Deng Xiaoping at the time, ensured almost three decades of peace for India and the world.

The situation today is again less tense than during many periods in the past. ‘Peace is not at hand’, but India today holds a stronger card, vis-à-vis China, than at any time in modern history. Mr. Xi invoking a relevance to the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence (Panchsheel by India) in Beijing (to mark the 70th anniversary of the Panchsheel) could well provide the opportunity for India to embark on a grand new initiative. It is India’s choice to do this or not. What is certain is that to have a successful result would be highly beneficial for India and China, Asia and the world.

Breaking the taboo around men’s reproductive health

Dr. Priyanka Parte Scientist F, Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (ICMR-NIRRCH)

World Population Day (July 11) has passed. As we grapple with the multifaceted challenges of global population dynamics, it is crucial to turn the spotlight on a subject often overshadowed in discussions on reproductive health: male infertility. Male infertility remains a stigmatised issue, shrouded in silence and with misconceptions. This neglect exacerbates the emotional and psychological toll on those who are affected and impedes progress towards effective solutions.

In 2004, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that globally, between 60 million to 80 million couples struggle with infertility. However, the exact prevalence of infertility in India remains unspecified according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) National Guidelines for Accreditation, Supervision and Regulation of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) Clinics (2005). Extrapolating from WHO’s data, it is suggested that approximately 13 million to 19 million Indian couples may face infertility issues. This incidence is only set to increase, shaped by factors such as environmental pollution and adverse lifestyle shifts. Male infertility accounts for 50% of all infertility cases in the country. Thus, it is important to shed light on male infertility, understand its causes, and identify solutions to aid the millions of affected couples.

Understanding the subject

Male infertility is not a standard experience. Its causes, and therefore its forms, vary. Infertility in men can manifest as an absence of sperm, low sperm count, low sperm motility, or both. The form of infertility can depend on various factors that include stress, hormonal imbalance, genetic, anatomical and epigenetic factors, or even exposure to certain infections. External factors such as environmental pollution and an indiscriminate use of pesticides on crops, plastics, and plasticisers can also affect fertility and influence the epigenetic makeup. Lifestyle factors such as diets, sleep patterns, work schedules, and consumption of alcohol and tobacco also play a major role. Adding to these factors is a growing preference for late marriages among youth, creating challenges due to declining sperm quality with age.

While the challenges listed above may appear daunting, male reproductive health can be safeguarded through various lifestyle interventions. First and foremost, it is imperative to be aware of reproductive and sexual health and the factors that influence it, particularly during the formative period from secondary school to junior college. Here, parents, particularly fathers, play a critical role and must educate their sons on the issue. At an individual level, young men should proactively adopt good lifestyle practices, ensuring healthy eating, regular sleep patterns, and eliminating the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and other intoxicants. While mobile phones and laptops have become occupational hazards in most fields, their excessive usage, in proximity to the body, should be avoided. Stress is a major deterrent to reproductive health, and regular exercise, yoga, and meditation can go a long way in reducing its adverse effects on well-being. Couples together must also adopt such healthy lifestyle practices to safeguard their reproductive health and enhance their well-being.

Treatment options

While lifestyle interventions play a critical preventative role, it is also important to discuss treatments available for those grappling with infertility. Treatment options are varied, and their efficacy depends on the cause and the form of infertility. It is important to seek help from a medical professional to identify and treat the issue. The medical professional will guide the person to undergo a routine semen analysis, conducted after a two to seven day period of sexual abstinence (WHO recommended). If the issue is physical or anatomical such as blocked sperm flow, undescended testicles, or an abnormal urethral opening, these can be fixed with surgery. If the issue is an absence of sperm, then treatments such as intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) should be undertaken. Alternatively, couples facing this issue can also opt for donor sperm insemination or adoption. In cases where the sperm count is very low, there is a chance for the couple to conceive naturally if sperm motility is very good. However, if both sperm count and motility are low, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilisation (IVF), or ICSI are advocated. In cases of male infertility due to gene mutation/s, genetic counselling is of utmost importance before seeking the support of assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF and ICSI.

With millions of couples in India facing infertility issues, there is an urgent need for open and informed discussions on reproductive health. It is time to recognise and address the significant issue of male reproductive health. Awareness building, sex education, and timely medical interventions are key to supporting couples on their journey to parenthood. By breaking the taboo surrounding male infertility and fostering a more informed and supportive environment, we can help many couples realise their dream of having children.

Court on maintenance

The Supreme Court of India’s verdict (Page 1, “Divorced Muslim women entitled to secular remedy: SC”, July 11) will truly empower them financially and socially. This is yet another landmark judgment by the apex Court after Mary Roy vs The State Of Kerala (1986) that gave equal rights to Syrian Christian women as their male siblings in matters of inheritance.

N.A. Joseph,

Ettumanoor, Kottayam, Kerala

The Court ruling is not only the need of the times but would also go a long way in empowering divorced Muslim women. It will protect their individuality and enhance their self-respect.

C.G. Kuriakose,

Kothamangalam, Kerala

Judge on the homemaker

Justice B.V. Nagarathna of the Supreme Court of India has hit the mark in her comments on a lack of emotional and financial security that many Indian women homemakers face (Inside pages, July 11). Financial empowerment is only the second stage in the journey towards financial independence. The first step is financial awareness. In most Indian homes, all financial decisions are taken by the man without even consulting his wife, even in those cases where the wife contributes to the household income. Every Indian woman should be aware of the state of the household balance sheet. This alone will enable her to help make the right monetary decisions. It will also relieve some of the burden on the husband who is expected to know everything about finance.

Sharada Sivaram,

Ernakulam, Kerala

As patriarchy is deeply entrenched in our society, men cannot be expected to heed the advice of Justice Nagarathna and do “justice” by sharing their income with their wives.

The passing of a law that makes working men to share a percentage of their income, say 10%, with their wives to meet their personal needs, over and above the amount being given towards household expenses, may be the solution. Such a law would definitely help in increasing awareness about the necessity for the financial independence of homemaker housewives and, eventually, a change in the mindset of men.

Kosaraju Chandramouli,

Hyderabad

U.S. presidential race

U.S. President Joe Biden should end his reelection bid. This would not only be in the interests of the United States and the Democrats but also in his own best interest (‘World’ page, July 11). By doing so, he would escape defeat at the hands of Donald Trump and also preserve the legacy of his long and illustrious career. Such a step would also provide the Democrats with an option to field an energetic and fresh face who can take on Mr. Trump.

Rajdeep Mahanta,

Guwahati, Assam

Can of worms

The government must ensure greater transparency in NEET

Trust can be everything, in governance. The can of worms that split open with the publication of results of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)-UG-2024 has elevated the entrance examination for medical (and dental) seats to a metaphor for distrust in the system, among the people. This year, dogged by accusations of paper leak, malpractices, and technical failures, besides the grant of grace marks to some students, NEET, which was conceived to homogenise selection on merit, has now morphed into a beast that is far removed from its original idea. The Supreme Court of India, on Thursday, rescheduled the NEET-UG hearing to July 18, to address complaints regarding irregularities and malpractices during the exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). A CBI investigation into the charges is ongoing. Meanwhile, the Centre has leaned heavily on a report, a data analysis, submitted by IIT Madras, examining the results to see if malpractices have occurred. The report’s executive summary claimed that there was no abnormality that was discovered in a centre and city-wise analysis that was done for two years. The analysis was carried out for the top 1.4 lakh ranks in the country. It further stated that there was no evidence of either mass malpractice or a localised set of candidates benefiting. The overall increase of marks among students, a charge that was laid out initially, is attributed to the 25% reduction in syllabus, and it confirms that this occurred across multiple cities. However, outrage among student applicants on social media continues.

While NEET is no stranger to controversy, with States opposing it, the charges that have been levelled against it this year have had the effect of invoking distrust against the test among a larger subsect of chary students across the country. The only way to move forward from here is to ensure that the issue is debated threadbare on public platforms and all doubt is removed, instead of trying to sweep the worms that have spilled out under the carpet. Loud denials of malpractice should be matched with the willingness to engage with those affected in a public forum and provide clarifications. Where errors have taken place, as is possible in an exercise of this scale, it behoves a proper acknowledgement and apology. When trust is violated, the reparation for it should sometimes be utter honesty. For the longer term, the government must introduce greater limpidity in the examination process, and make sure that the NTA and its line agencies remain committed to maintaining transparency. It might also be the opportunity to set right other issues raised about the conduct of the examination itself, including security checks on students.

Secular remedy

Muslim women’s right to maintenance under secular laws is well established

In holding that a divorced Muslim woman is not barred from invoking the secular remedy of seeking maintenance under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the Supreme Court of India has done well to clarify an important question concerning the impact of a 1986 law that appeared to restrict their relief to what is allowed in Muslim personal law alone. The enactment of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, was a watershed moment that is seen as having undermined the country’s secular ethos by seeking to nullify a Court judgment in the Shah Bano case (1985), which allowed a divorced Muslim woman to apply for maintenance from a magistrate under Section 125 of the CrPC. Subsequently, the 1986 law was upheld by a Constitution Bench in 2001 after coming close to declaring its provisions unconstitutional for discriminating against Muslim women. The Act was declared valid after the Bench read it down in such a way as not to foreclose the secular remedy for Muslim women. Several High Court judgments took different views on whether Muslim women should avail of Section 3 of the 1986 Act or Section 125 of CrPC. The latest verdict by a Bench of Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Augustine George Masih settles this question by holding that the codification of a Muslim woman’s rights in the 1986 Act — including the right to maintenance during the Iddat period, provision for a dignified life until she remarries, and return of mehr and dowry — was only in addition to and not in derogation of her right to seek maintenance like a woman of any other religion.

Justice Masih, in his main opinion, concludes that both the personal law provision and the secular remedy for seeking maintenance ought to exist in parallel in their distinct domains. While the CrPC may be invoked by a woman if she was unable to maintain herself, the 1986 Act makes it a Muslim husband’s obligation to provide for his divorced wife and her children up to a certain point. Justice Nagarathna, in her concurring opinion, looks at the social purpose behind the provision for maintenance in the CrPC, namely that it aims to prevent vagrancy among women by compelling the husband to support his wife. The 1986 Act codified the right available to a divorced Muslim woman in personal law. This right is in addition to, and not at the cost of, the rights available in existing law. The verdict is a great example of the Court using harmonious interpretation to expand the scope of rights as well as to secularise access to remedies. In the process, the Court has also neutralised the perception that the right of Muslim women to seek maintenance under secular provisions stood extinguished since 1986.

Should States get special packages outside Finance Commission allocations?

1 of 5 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his Ministers meet Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. ANI ANI

2 of 5 Arun Kumar former professor of economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

3 of 5 Pinaki Chakraborty fellow at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy

4 of 5

5 of 5

In the run-up to the Union Budget, Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Ministers of Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, respectively, who are in a position to decide the political fate of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre, have demanded special financial packages for their respective States. These packages could potentially increase the fiscal burden on the Centre and also on other States. Should States get special packages outside Finance Commission allocations? Arun Kumar and Pinaki Chakraborty discuss the question in a conversation moderated by Prashanth Perumal J. Edited excerpts:

What is the basis on which the Finance Commission determines how much money is allocated to different States? Do you think there is a case for States such as Bihar and Andhra Pradesh to receive funds beyond what is being allocated to them through the Finance Commission?

Arun Kumar: The last Finance Commission had said that States should be given 41% of the divisible tax pool. Within that 41%, what does each State get? For that, there is a formula which is based on income, population, the area, forests and ecology, demographic performance, etc. If we look at the 15th Finance Commission, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in 2020-21 got the largest amount of funds and Karnataka and Kerala saw the largest decrease in the share of funds. So, in other words, the criteria that the Finance Commission use can change the amount of funds going to different States.

Apart from the Finance Commission devolution, which is statutory, how the remaining amount is spent is determined by the Centre, and that is where political determination comes in; States which are closer to the Centre get more funds. Andhra Pradesh and Bihar are part of the NDA and their support is critical to the government. So, I suppose they will be able to draw more funds.

Pinaki Chakraborty: As far as transfers by the Finance Commission are concerned, the scope for discretion is very limited. Other Central transfers are also determined by certain principles of distribution across States. We can debate those schemes, their designs, etc., but those are certainly not arbitrary. So, that is the overall framework of transfer.

When there is a specific demand by a specific State for higher transfer of resources for a specific purpose, constitutionally there is no bar on giving more money to that State. But generally, it is not done on a large scale because if that becomes the order of the day, fiscal prudence becomes a casualty. So, the possibility of large-scale discretionary transfers is limited.

Andhra Pradesh had a major fiscal shock after bifurcation and that was partly offset when the Finance Commission provided revenue deficit grants. Why Andhra Pradesh still requires Central support requires a careful analysis. But Bihar’s case is different. Bihar’s per capita development spending is less than 60% of the all-States average. So, Bihar has a serious fiscal capacity problem. This has not been fully offset by Finance Commission transfers or additional Central transfers.

What is the relationship between additional Central aid and the economic performance of States? Does the allocation of more funds to a certain State boost its long-term economic performance?

AK: There are several factors. The public and private sector together determine the development of a State. But with all other things remaining the same, higher allocations from the Centre to a State would boost the growth of that State. The major problem is the issue of governance — how well is the State governed and how well are the resources that are received by the State spent on development. Poorer States tend to have a greater amount of leakage of funds. But more importantly, the credit-deposit ratio of Bihar is much lower than the all-India average. This means that a large part of Bihar’s savings is leaking out of the State to other States. So, even if you allocate more funds from the Centre, the leakage may be greater than the additional resources they get.

PC: If we look at revenue sharing, the part which is not within the purview of the Finance Commission has increased and that is also why we see an increase in centrally sponsored schemes. So, there is a larger political economy question which needs to be discussed. When we talk about resource flow to the richer regions of the country, it is much, much higher than the resource flow to the poorer regions of the country. This cannot be explained by governance differences alone. If there is a problem of resources, where a State is spending only 50% of the all-States average as public expenditure, this can’t just be explained by differences in governance and quality of expenditure. We need to channelise more resources for higher capital investment in the poorer regions of the country for balanced regional development.

By taking away from States the power to tax their citizens, has GST (Goods and Services Tax) exacerbated competition among States to get more funds from the Centre? We also see that there is no longer tax competition between the States after the centralisation of taxation under GST. Is that good or bad?

PC: Because of this race to the bottom among States after liberalisation, States themselves decided to introduce a floor rate for sales tax in 2000-01. GST has resulted in significant loss of fiscal autonomy for the States because the States used to get two-thirds of their revenue from VAT (Value Added Tax). States also cannot set the tax rate, which is a key component of fiscal autonomy. So, there needs to be some flexibility somewhere within the GST structure so that the States don’t feel that they are not able to tax to provide public services. We should discuss what kind of GST flexibility can bring an element of fiscal autonomy without compromising on the fiscal harmonisation across States.

AK: GST has damaged federalism because States are very diverse. The problems of Assam are not the same as those of Gujarat. The States have different sources of revenue and expenditure requirements. What we require in India, a very diverse country, is greater decentralisation and it is the only answer to the problems we face. Across the country, greater centralisation that has come in with GST is perhaps not good. What has happened with GST is that it has benefited the organised sector at the expense of the unorganised sector. Even though the unorganised sector has been kept out of GST, the organised sector is the one that has been rising and that is why you see that GST collections have been rising post-pandemic. This decline in the unorganised sector, which is concentrated in the backward States, means that backward States will under-perform. So, GST needs reform. I recommend that the tax be collected at the last point instead of at each intermediate stage, which creates a lot of complications. There is a lot of corruption associated with input credit, there are fake companies, etc. Trucks are stopped by the police and implementing agencies and money is extorted. So, the black economy continues to flourish. We need to collect a lot more from direct taxes and reduce collections from indirect taxes, which are having a negative effect on the backward States as compared to the advanced ones.

We see that States with political weight usually get more funds from the Centre at the cost of other States. So, how fair and objective is Central aid to states? Is there any way to stop politics from influencing how Central funds are allocated to the States?

AK: Seventy per cent of the funds that the Centre spends is non-discretionary. But the remaining 30% are discretionary. The allocation of funds by the Centre to the States depends on politics or political considerations. Greater decentralisation and greater autonomy to the States is the only way to change that.

PC: The real problem of discretion is that if the Centre decides to introduce a new scheme and says that 60% of it will be funded by the Centre and 40% will be funded by the States, it is actually tying up State resources. So, we need deliberations at the national level involving all the stakeholders to understand which schemes the Centre should intervene in, and which it should leave to the States. The 14th Finance Commission had given an important framework for this, recommending that the Centre should intervene in schemes where there are large externalities or national priorities involved. But if the Centre wants to run a primary health centre in a remote village, that is not going to help. So, I think this discussion about political alignment is only of marginal importance. What is really discretionary is the Centre’s complete autonomy in deciding which sector and where to spend.

Keeping your head above water

A wild elephant in the flooded waters of Hajo in Kamrup district of Assam. Two waves of floods in the State left 84 people dead and displaced more than 24 lakh people while Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve recorded the highest level of flood since 2014, claiming 174 animals so far. PTI

The trauma of covering tragedies

Ishita Mishra

Reporters lurch from one unfortunate event to the next with little time to process the incident or mourn the dead

On the evening of July 2, social media was flooded with visuals of bodies of women lying scattered on the ground in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. Many of these women, who wore long veils, did not have dignity in death.

It emerged that they had attended a religious gathering of a ‘godman’. When the event got over, the followers rushed out and a stampede took place. By late evening, it was clear that this was perhaps the worst stampede in recent times in India. Bodies of women and children were piling up in mortuaries. As the small town of Hathras was not equipped to deal with a tragedy of this scale, many bodies were transported to places such as Agra, Etah, and Aligarh. The death toll was 121.

Within hours of the tragedy, my colleagues and I took a cab to the site. As I walked around, meeting one distraught family after another, I met a man who had lost all the women in his family — mother, wife, and daughter — in the stampede. He uncovered the face of his 10-year-old daughter for us. The sight shook me. Her small body had a Y-shaped incision, her ponytail was soaked in blood, and her eyes had scars. That image of a young life cut short so brutally will perhaps stay with me for a long time. As reporters, we are expected to be stoic in such instances. Stoicism over a long period of time can make people numb. Perhaps, that is our coping mechanism.

The wails of men, women, and children were disturbing, but I had to watch it all unfold to report on the tragedy with nuance and sensitivity. In such times, reporters cannot afford to feel ashamed of asking questions to grieving families. The news of the tragedy must be told with empathy, while holding those responsible accountable, even if the world moves on to another tragedy the next day.

On the streets near hospitals, people stood in long queues, searching for their loved ones who had gone missing. I had two jobs at the time: to note the details of the missing people and to help the kin reach the various hospitals and mortuaries where the injured and dead had been kept, respectively. This too was traumatic: every family member trembled when asked to lift a shroud. The relatives naturally looked exhausted. One woman, who had been searching for her 15-year-old granddaughter, said she had not eaten anything though someone at the site had offered her food. She looked tired and weak.

It was humbling to speak to the villagers who had gathered at the spot. They helped the media by sharing minute details of the tragedy. They betrayed no fear of any consequence, given that the police and the administration were as responsible for the incident as the organisers. It was also troubling to see how prominent people were visiting the accident site and hospitals only to take photos.

However, journalists cannot be entirely focused on the trauma alone; we need to equally cover the police investigation. We moved on to report on the arrests being made and the amount of compensation being given to victims’ families. That is always the hardest part: to leave the grieving families who had cooperated with us while we did our job.

While it is a struggle to report on disasters and tragedies, the stories of survivors keep us going. Where there is despair, there is always a ray of hope. One such story was of Pappu Singh from Bharatpur, Rajasthan. His mother and paternal aunt had been missing from the stampede site. The same night I met him, he called me just to share the good news that the two of them had reached home safely. There was so much relief in his voice.

The hardest part on reporting on tragedies is that we lurch from one to the next with little time to process the incident or mourn the dead. As reporters, our primary job is to tell stories and chase deadlines. There is little time to reflect or heal.

ishita.mishra@thehindu.co.in

BHEL to make oil rigs with U.S. collaboration

New Delhi, July 11: Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. will be signing in a fortnight, a technical collaboration agreement with Oil Well Ltd. of USA for the manufacture of oil drilling rigs needed for off-shore exploration. The Union Minister of Heavy Industry, Mr. T.A. Mal, told the consultative committee of MPs here to-day that BHEL would be the co-ordinating agency, using the capacity available in the public and the private sector engineering units to make sub-assemblies and components. BHEL would supply a large number of electrical items, including power packs. An assembly plant for the rigs would be set up under a crash programme. Mr. Pal said there was a big demand for the rigs and they were not available, and where available were expensive.

Railway risk notes

Simla, July 11: The Gazette of India contains the Railway Risk Note forms A.B.D.G. and H. as amended by the Government of India in pursuance of the recommendations made by the Railway Risk Note Committee. These forms will come into use with effect from 1st October 1924. The Government of India have passed orders on the report of the Risk Note Revision Committee and have gazetted new forms A.B.D.G. and H. which come into force from 1st October.

Future investments in India’s EV space

Saptaparno Ghosh

Why is the government considering extending the EV policy? How does the revised policy align with India’s goals of enhancing local manufacturing and technology adoption in the EV industry? In what ways can the policy’s focus on localisation and production volume increase competition and lower costs?

Towards change: A person uses an electric vehicle charging station, in Hyderabad. NAGARA GOPAL

The story so far:

According to media reports, the government is looking to expand the scope of its electric vehicle (EV) policy, announced in March, to include a retrospective effect. This means that the policy, that endeavours to prompt global players to localise production and invest in the domestic ecosystem, will now extend benefits to entities who have already made their investments. Earlier, entities were eligible for incentives only if they set up local facilities within three years of receiving approval. The revised policy is expected to be formally announced in August, the publications learnt from people familiar with the development.

What was the March policy’s focus on investment and localisation about?

The policy announced in March aimed to provide Indian consumers with access to the latest technology and strengthen the EV ecosystem by encouraging healthy competition among EV players by attaining higher volumes of production, economies of scale and lower cost of production. All in all, better the electric vehicle economics for Indian consumers, and in a commercially viable manner for the ecosystem. The policy also mandated that half of the value addition in the overall manufacturing be done domestically within five years. To maintain commercial viability and retain a foothold in the Indian market, the import duty on EVs as completely built units (CBUs) with a minimum cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value of $35,000 was reduced from 70%-100% to 15%.

The policy document held India, being the third-largest automotive market in the world, could potentially “lead the global transition” from internal combustion engine (ICE) to decarbonised electric counterparts. Overall, the policy was potentially a recognition that import substitution for EVs would require a layered and longer-sustained approach. To this effect, for a commercially viable transition, it further provided mechanisms for manufacturers to address the imperative affordability paradigm of Indian consumers.

Why does the ecosystem need investment and intervention?

A Niti Aayog report in 2022 argued that purchasing a vehicle is a “major investment decision” for most Indian consumers. Thus, it was essential to ensure viable economics for owning, as well as maintaining and running the same – the total cost of ownership.

The report suggested that a sharper decline in costs would prepone the EV adoption timeline. It is essential to note that the report points to India’s structural unit cost disadvantages in the production of select cell components such as CAM NMC (8-10%) and electrolyte (2-3%). Furthermore, as per the report, certain cell components such as separators, copper foil and anode active material (AAM) require sizeable capital investment — about $200-500 million for a 20-30 GWh plant. The commission thus recommended it was imperative to offset the dynamics and “create an enabling eco-system to attract large-scale capex investment vis-à-vis other geographies”.

The other essentiality for a comprehensive ecosystem stems from the observed experience of after-sales service. Bain & Company’s India EV Report (2023), observing the two-wheeler EV segment, had pointed to after-sales service being a “big pain point” for EV customers. It also cast apprehensions about the scalability of business models that had OEMs partnering with standalone breakdown service providers (such as Ampere with ReadyAssist).

The report also held that India would require “significant investor support” to realise the $100 billion-plus EV opportunity.

“As the landscape evolves, investors need to evaluate potential assets based on five criteria, namely, sustainable competitive advantages, go-to-market and distribution capabilities, customer feedback and brand perception, talent and culture as well as manufacturing and supply chain strategy,” it held.

Does all of it address the paradigm?

The EV policy announced in March shares similar priorities with those in the U.S., China and Europe, where incentives have been endowed on a case-by-case basis to different companies for setting up capacity for EV value chain manufacturing. They entail land and infrastructure, capital subsidies, financing support, fiscal incentives and subsidised utilities. However, unrelatedly, the International Energy Agency (IEA)’s Global EV Outlook for 2024 pointed out that electric cars remain 10% to 50% more expensive than combustion engine equivalents in Europe and the U.S., depending on the country and car segment.

Notably, Europe and the U.S. meet 20% and 30% of their EV battery demands through imports, according to the report. This also forms a case for the necessity for integrated production lines.

Dinesh Abrol, a retired professor at the Institute for Studies in Industrial Development and a long-time observer of industry and trade told The Hindu, that in a broader context, foreign investments have not always been known to deliver. He held that such policies should be able to dictate the type of production that must take place. It must not be restricted to de-risking and de-leveraging, he said.

“If FDI is to reap its potential fully, the focus must be on ensuring that it is towards building a core country, such that the critical components are made here, there is the transfer of technology and local manufacturing is built here,” states Prof Abrol, adding, “If FDI does not enable one to be a core country, you will not be to progress towards an enabling capacity to establish yourself as a core player. Instead, you shall stand inserted as a peripheral player in the larger supply manufacturing chain.” According to Mr. Abrol, the way forward is to strengthen the domestic players in the creation of capabilities for critical components and make the foreign automakers use the domestic suppliers’ networks.

Why are dengue cases on the rise worldwide?

Serena Josephine M.

Are urbanisation and climate change fuelling dengue spread in the world?

The story so far:

Dengue cases have surged in India, with Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu seeing significant increases. According to data published by the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control, as of April 30, India recorded 19,447 cases and 16 deaths, with Kerala and Tamil Nadu leading in numbers. Karnataka, initially reporting 2,503 cases, has now recorded 7,840 cases and seven deaths as of July 10, with 293 new cases reported on that day alone.

What is the global situation of dengue?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of April 30, over 7.6 million cases of dengue were reported in 2024. This included 3.4 million confirmed cases, over 16,000 severe cases and over 3,000 deaths. In an update on the global scenario on May 30, it said that 90 countries have known active dengue transmission, adding that “not all of which have been captured in formal reporting”.

The WHO noted that at least five countries, including India, were grappling with the onset of monsoon season, which created suitable conditions for the breeding and survival of Aedes mosquito. Urbanisation and population movements have also played a pivotal role in the increasing burden in the region.

Dengue is endemic in more than 100 countries in the WHO regions of Africa, the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia and Western Pacific. The Americas, South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions were the most seriously affected, with Asia accounting for around 70% of the global disease burden. However, it also noted that dengue is spreading to new areas in Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and South America.

How does dengue spread and how is it treated?

Dengue virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, with the primary vector that transmits the disease being Aedes aegypti. While cases are mostly asymptomatic or mild, some may develop severe dengue that could include shock, severe bleeding or organ impairment. According to the National Guidelines for Clinical Management of Dengue Fever, dengue presents as an acute febrile illness lasting two to seven days, characterised by symptoms such as headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, rash, and hemorrhagic manifestations. In those without any warning signs or complications, dengue is managed through symptomatic and supportive treatment.

What are the emerging patterns in dengue?

Researchers and public health experts have been closely monitoring the emerging patterns in dengue.

According to the WHO, factors contributing to the increasing risk of dengue epidemics include the changing distribution of the Aedes aegypti vector, urbanisation, and human activities that create conducive environments for vector-host interaction, and climate change-induced shifts in weather patterns.

In the article ‘Prevention and Control Strategies to Counter the Dengue Cyclical Trend in Tamil Nadu’, published in the Tamil Nadu Journal of Public Health and Medical Research, public health officials said that the first epidemic of clinical dengue-like illness was recorded in erstwhile Madras in 1780. Dengue virus was isolated in India during 1945 for the first time. The first evidence of the occurrence of dengue fever in the country was reported in 1956 from Vellore district in the State, they said.

They said the infection has spread to all geographic regions due to rapid increase in urbanisation, expanding travel patterns and climatic changes.

Tamil Nadu, they said, has witnessed outbreaks of dengue infection once every five years in the past decade with the last outbreak occurring in 2017.

The State’s Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine T. S. Selvavinayagam pointed out seasonal variation every five years, probably due to the building up of susceptible populations. “We are seeing cases throughout the year. There are more cases in a short time if control measures are not taken on time. As for Tamil Nadu, we expect cases to rise in the coming months. Surveillance and immediate response are critical. Along with this, community empowerment and education is needed,” he said.

Modern challenges, old ideals: what could Indian

Udhav Naig

Going by the discourse around over the last 30 years, expectations for Indian 2 suggest a deeper exploration of corruption; Indian sparked discussions on corruption and vigilantism and with Indian 2 , there is anticipation that these themes will be approached in a more nuanced manner

A still from Indian 2..Special Arrangement

The humongous success of the 1996 Tamil blockbuster Indian, starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Shankar, can be attributed to a number of reasons, such as Kamal Haasan’s brilliant portrayal of a 70-year-old freedom fighter, exquisite music by A.R. Rahman, and Shankar’s imaginative storytelling. However, the primary reason for its success was its instant appeal to the ‘common man’, who was forced to shell out money to government officials on an everyday basis.

The impact of Gentleman, Indian and subsequently several of director Shankar’s films such as Mudhalvan and Anniyan spoke to generations of Tamil people, shaping their understanding of politics and corruption in the society, often privileging problematic vigilantes over systemic, long drawn-out, incremental reform of the system. Like every movie, Indian was written and made within a specific socio-political context in India. Five years before the film’s release, in 1991, the Indian government decided to break the locks of the economy by implementing a series of structural reforms that loosened the state’s vice-grip on the economy, adopting liberalisation to kickstart economic growth and provide jobs.

In 1990, the then Prime Minister V.P. Singh’s government agreed to provide 27% reservations to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), which resulted in widespread protests against its implementation, spawning debates over whether this would affect the efficiency and quality of personnel in bureaucracy. India also witnessed the controversial Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which aimed to build a temple for Lord Ram at the site where the Babri Masjid stood. This, a Hindutva project, still in a nascent stage then, was realised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year.

These events had a tremendous impact on the psyche of all Indians, including the fictional ‘Indian’ Senapathy, a freedom fighter turned murderer of corrupt government officials.

For one, he must have started to distrust state control of the Indian economy and other government institutions, viewing them as citadels of corruption. Two, he seems to have developed a subconscious bias against reservations, which provided a pathway for the OBCs along with SCs and STs to get representation in education and jobs (supported by personal experience of the death of his daughter in the film). And, not to mention, he ends up killing his own son, Chandru, a brake inspector in the government, for taking a bribe which results in the deaths of numerous kids.

If we use these ideological and socio-political frameworks, director Shankar’s earlier film Gentleman, which narrates the story of a non-Brahmin, Kicha, the son of a cook working at a government school, who, to realise the dreams of students like Ramesh, his poor Brahmin friend, unable to secure admission to a medical college due to caste and poverty, decides to rob the rich and powerful to build a college that would admit everyone.

Thirty years later, it is obvious that Gentleman’s premise hasn’t aged well when we look at how abysmally poor the representation of the OBCs and SCs/STs continues to be in India in every sphere, so much so that it became a rallying cry for the Opposition INDIA bloc in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Desire for vigilante justice

There is a perceptive interview of Kamal Haasan from the 1990s, in which he speaks about the ideological issues he had with Gentleman and Indian that still rings true.

With respect to Gentleman, he says he was not too keen to do the film because the original idea dealt with the militancy of a Brahmin kid, and with Indian, he acknowledges that though a man who kills the corrupt and instils fear in them is a dream of every ‘common’ man, the narrative promotes shades of fascism as it erects a freedom fighter and an uncompromising old man, who kills the corrupt officials as the solution.

Indian’s structure is rather interesting: to justify why Senapathy is killing small fries in the State government machinery — a doctor, a Treasury official, an inspector, a VAO and a brake inspector (his own son) — there are two different flashbacks and numerous subplots, one to show his patriotic and valorous past which justifies his killing spree and two, to explain why he selects these people to ‘weed out’.

And this is where actor Kamal Haasan’s opinion that the film plays on a fascist desire to seek a saviour to clean up the corrupt ‘system’, a political idea that continues to be popular across the world, instead of participating in a long-drawn-out reform of the system, rings true.

Indian creates villains out of government officials who are appointed through reservations and it prescribes death for these corrupt officials as the only solution, dismissing the idea of ‘trying them in a Court of Law’ as a complete and utter waste of time. Senapathy is ready to sacrifice his own daughter by refusing to pay a bribe to officials to complete legal formalities for her burn treatment, but later kills all those who sought a bribe from him, unwilling to explore using the law as a solution.

In the last 33 years since the Indian economy was liberalised, big businesses have routinely colluded with the state machinery, resulting in the creation of a small number of big and flashy billionaires, whose loans are routinely written off. Not to be left behind, there are politicians and political parties who can rival big billionaires in India.

Promise of a new narrative?

The trailer for Indian 2 offers some insights into what the film is likely to be about: the desire to seek a saviour continues to exist and be popular in India, considering the depleting quality of life and growth of Indians, even as an ill-gotten wealth of politicians is used to bribe voters in elections and billionaires continue to corner India’s resources.

Indian 2’s trailer begins with a voice-over declaring that the country has become worse, rightly so: “What sort of a country is this? There are no jobs that match our qualification...no job pays the salary that the job deserves... we don’t get facilities despite paying taxes, thieves continue to steal, those who overstep the law are continuing to do it (without repercussions)” to which the character played by actor Siddharth says, “We don’t do enough to change the system.” However, he quickly declares that ‘we need a hunting dog’, foreshadowing the arrival of Indian thaatha to weed out corruption once again in India today.

Going by the discourse around Indian in the last 30 years or so, one perhaps expects that the issue of corruption in India is painted in a much more nuanced and holistic manner instead of blaming some low-level ‘corrupt government officials’ and going further than arguing that murder is the only permanent solution to the problem.

There is a line uttered by Kamal Haasan in the trailer: “You take the Gandhian route, I will take the Netaji route’, which promises that the film while retaining its impatience related to corruption in society, acknowledges the problem of the original and does not want to simplify issues down to the local Village Administrative Officer as the root cause of corruption.

Of course, Indians continue to face a number of social ills today: the continued hate against minorities, and atrocities against Dalits and other disadvantaged groups, have continued unabated. One hopes that the Indian thaatha has also thought long and hard in the last thirty years about these issues and has something to offer as a solution.

Indian 2 is releasing in theatres today

World Population Day was on July 11. Let us see if you got the figures right

Ramya Kannan

1 of 2 Visual Question: Which continent has the highest rate of population growth?Getty Imagesminiature

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Question 1

World Population Day falls on July 11. It was designated so by the governing council of the UNDP, for a specific reason. What was the reason?

Question 2

When was the last Indian census conducted?

Question 3

In the 200 years or so, since the world hit the magic number of 1 billion in terms of population, it grew ——.

Fill in the blank, by how many times did the population grow?

Question 4

Total fertility rate is the average number of children born per woman in a country, and it has been reducing over the years. India’s fertility rate has been declining for decades, and it has now dropped to below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman.

What is the fertility rate for India as of 2021?

Question 5

Which are the top three most populous countries in the world?

The first two may be easy to guess, not a big challenge. Name the third-most populous country and while you are at it, throw in No. 1 and 2 as well.

Questions and Answers to the previous day’s daily quiz: 1. A classic of modern American literature, this book won this prize. Ans: Pulitzer Prize

2. This character, a lawyer in the book, has served as a moral hero for many readers and as a model of integrity for lawyers. Name the character. Ans: Atticus Finch

3. Which genre does this novel belong to, given that it focuses on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from childhood to adulthood? Ans: Bildungsroman

4. Who won the award for best actor, for portraying the leading role? Ans: Gregory Peck

5. This character Dill Harris is the best friend of the Finch children in the novel. He is believed to be based on a childhood friend of Harper Lee, who was a novelist and playwright himself. Ans: Truman Capote

6. What is the metaphor behind the title of the novel? Ans: ‘To kill a mockingbird’ is to kill that which is innocent and harmless

Visual: The sign that reads watchman refers to Harper Lee’s only other book. Ans: Go Set a Watchman

Early Birds: Seema Das | Jyot Prakash | Debarati Kar | Sadhan Kumar Panda | Prachi Sharma

K. Subrahmanian

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Chafe, chaff (K. K. Shah, Chandigarh).

‘Chafe’ means ‘to become irritated or impatient (because of something).’ You chafe at something or under something.

She chafed at the delay in the arrival of the train.

‘Chafe’ also means ‘(cause something to) become sore by rubbing.’

The stiff collar chafed his neck.

‘Chafe’ also means ‘to rub (especially the skin to restore warmth or sensation).’

She chafed the child’s hands and feet when it fainted.

The ‘a’ in ‘chafe’ is pronounced like the ‘a’ in ‘fame,’ ‘name.’ ‘Chaff as a verb means ‘to tease.’ You chaff somebody in a good-natured way about something.

They chaffed her about her new dress.

The ‘a’ in ‘chaff is pronounced like the ‘a’ in ‘path.’ In American English, it is pronounced like the ‘a’ in ‘man.’ The ‘ch’ in ‘chafe’ and ‘chaff is pronounced like the ‘ch’ in ‘child.’

‘Bomb along’ (M. R. Kamat, Mangalore).

‘Bomb along’ means ‘to move very fast (usually in a vehicle) in the specified direction.’

He bombed along the highway at 100 miles per hour.

Meaning of ‘a skeleton in a cupboard’ (M. P. Vidyashankar, Channapatna).

It means ‘a family secret or scandal kept concealed to avoid public shame and disgrace; any confidential matter which, if revealed, could be a source of embarrassment.’ In American English, the word ‘cupboard’ is replaced by ‘closet.’ The idiomatic expressions ‘a skeleton in the cupboard’ and a skeleton in the closet’ mean one and the same thing.

Rao’s house was raided yesterday. He has enough skeletons in his cupboard to keep the Income Tax officials busy for the next three months.

We all have skeletons in our cupboards. Otherwise, we would not be human beings. There are many explanations for the origin of this expression. One such relates to the practice of English doctors who used to keep a human skeleton in their cupboard. Before 1832, doctors in England were allowed to conduct an autopsy only on criminals who had been executed. When autopsy became legal, doctors wanted to own a skeleton. They wanted to study the skeleton at leisure to have a greater understanding of the human body. The demand for skeletons was so great that robbers dug graves and sold the skeletons to doctors. Doctors usually paid a handsome price for a skeleton. They were forced to keep the skeleton in a place where nobody could see it They hid the skeleton in a cupboard. Every doctor was suspected to have a skeleton in his cupboard. With the passage of time, the phrase took on a wider meaning. Now it means ‘a secret that would embarrass someone if it became known.’

Published in The Hindu on August 31, 1992

National

- During conflict, there is no such thing as strategic autonomy: U.S. Ambassador

- India hosts BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers amid raging Myanmar crisis

- J&K, Punjab officials meet to tackle rise in militancy in Jammu

- No intrusion recorded on cameras on Jammu-Pak. border: BSF official

- Controversial probationary IAS officer joins duty

- Two members of Meitei outfit held in Imphal

- Nazir Ronga, J&K Bar’s ad hoc chief, arrested

- NEET counselling from July third week: govt.

- Centre begins efforts to implement Labour Codes

- Ahead of MLC polls in Maharashtra, wary parties move MLAs to hotels

- Justices Kotiswar Singh, R. Mahadevan proposed for elevation to top court

- Will raise Manipur issue with full force in Parliament: Rahul

- SJM seeks ‘robot tax’ for AI- induced job loss

- SKM farmers to meet MPs with their 14 demands

- CBI arrests key accused in NEET paper leak case

- PM’s heart bleeds for victims in Ukraine but not in Manipur, says Meitei body

- 14225

- HC upholds larger warning labels on pan masala packs

- Guruvayurappan’s greatness

- 14-day judicial custody for Sena politician’s family driver

- ‘Youth posted a doctored NET paper; no question leak’

- Alimony verdict: Muslim groups looking at legal options

- Chiefs of BSF, CISF reiterate 10% quota for Agniveers

- DRDO approval for seven new projects by the private sector

- Vizhinjam international seaport opens new chapter as mothership San Fernando comes calling

- Strong connection

- Expect implementation of A.P. Reorganisation Act: Congress

- Trial in ISRO case may take time to begin

- Do not panic, Vizag steel plant will not be shut down, says Steel Minister Kumaraswamy

- Woman cannot prosecute her live-in partner for cruelty, says Kerala High Court

- Congress will rectify its mistakes of LS election, says Shivakumar

- Telangana SIB former chief denies phone tapping allegations

- Telangana starts exercise for Budget Session

During conflict, there is no such thing as strategic autonomy: U.S. Ambassador

Suhasini Haidar, Dinakar Peri

New Delhi

As Washington raises concerns over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow, Eric Garcetti says India and the U.S. must ‘act together’ in ‘times of need’ as trusted partners; both countries should also be open to criticising each other, especially on issues of human rights, says the Ambassador

U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti was addressing a conclave on India-U.S. defence and security partnership in Delhi.file photoROBERTO SCHMIDT

There is no such thing as “strategic autonomy” during a conflict, U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti said on Thursday, even as sources said that U.S. officials have raised concerns with Indian officials over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia this week.

The comments, including a series of statements critical of the visit by the U.S. State Department, are the sharpest sign of tensions between the U.S. and India over the Putin-Modi summit, including the timing of the talks that came as Western leaders met in Washington for a conference of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), and a series of deadly Russian missile strikes across Ukraine.

“I respect that India likes its strategic autonomy. But in times of conflict there is no such thing as strategic autonomy,we will, in crisis moments, need to know each other,” Mr. Garcetti said, addressing a conference in Delhi, stressing the need for India and the U.S. to “act together” in “times of need” as trusted partners.

The U.S. Ambassador was addressinga conclave on India-U.S. defence and security partnership, organised by CUTS International and U.S. Consulate-General, Kolkata.

“No war is distant any more and we must not just stand for peace. We must take concrete actions to make sure those who don’t play by peaceful rules, that their war machines cannot continue unabated,” Mr. Garcetti continued, without specifically naming Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 or China’s transgressions at the Line of Actual Control in 2020, but referring to countries that have “ignored sovereign borders” in the past three years.

In statements on Ukraine, the U.S. State Department regularly refers to the “Russian war machine”.

India has consistently held that its ties with Russia are part of its independent bilateral relations and strategic autonomy, and has thus far not directly criticised Russia at the United Nations for the war in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, sources confirmed to The Hindu that U.S. officials have raised concerns directly over India’s ties with Russia, including the surprise visit by Mr. Modi to Moscow this week, which had not been announced until recently.

According to the sources, India’s Acting Ambassador in Washington, Sripriya Ranganathan, was “asked” to explain the reason for the visit and its timing by the U.S. State Department officials. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell had also spoken to Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra about the issue.

External Affairs Ministry officials did not deny the conversations, but an official downplayed their significance, saying that Indian diplomats are in “constant touch with the State Department and the White House”.

On Wednesday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller had confirmed that conversations had been held, without revealing the identity of the officials.

“We have been quite clear about our concerns about India’s relationship with Russia. We have expressed those privately, directly to the Indian government and continue to do so, and that hasn’t changed,” Mr. Miller said, in response to a question. “We have had conversations with them in the past 24 hours, and I think I’ll keep the contents of those private,” he added, when pressed for more details.

The External Affairs Ministry declined to comment on the latest remarks by the U.S. or on the U.S. statements of “concern” to Indian officials. On Tuesday, Mr. Kwatra had responded to questions about criticism from the U.S. and from Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by repeating Mr. Modi’s statement to Mr. Putin that there was “no solution on the battlefield” to the Ukraine conflict.

In other comments likely to raise eyebrows in South Block, Mr. Garcetti said India and the U.S. should be open to criticising each other, especially on issues of human rights and NGOs.

India hosts BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers amid raging Myanmar crisis

Kallol Bhattacherjee

NEW DELHI

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar with the Foreign Ministers of other countries, in New Delhi on Thursday.ANIANI

The seven-member Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) should find solutions to the regional challenges within itself, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Thursday, addressing the first BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ retreat held here.

The meeting assumes significance as it is being held against the backdrop of major developments in Myanmar, where the military junta has been receiving battlefield setbacks against dozens of ethnic armed organisations.

“Global and regional developments also make it imperative that we find more solutions among ourselves. There are long-standing goals such as capacity-building and economic cooperation that have acquired a new urgency. And not least, a grouping that is so complementary and so congenial in its membership should surely harbour higher aspirations,” Mr. Jaishankar said.

This is the first time such an event was organised since the Charter of BIMSTEC came into effect on May 20, which marked a landmark development in the evolution of the organisation.

The developments in Myanmar pose a major issue before the BIMSTEC as instability there has put a question mark on a number of developmental and connectivity projects that were aimed at firming up ties among countries like Nepal, Bhutan, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand.

A day before the beginning of the meeting in Delhi, the military junta in Naypyidaw lost control of Naungcho, a major town along a trade highway to China in the northern Shan State, to the Ta’ang National Liberation Army.

Following his meeting with Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U. Than Swe, Mr. Jaishankar said, “Our discussions focused on the connectivity projects, so crucial for the future of BIMSTEC. Also exchanged views on border stability and humanitarian assistance.”

The External Affairs Ministry is yet to clarify if India will extend humanitarian assistance to the affected civilian population inside Myanmar. Till now, assistance has been limited to the displaced population and personnel of the Myanmar military who sought refuge in Mizoram.

The Foreign Ministers of Bangladesh (Hasan Mahmood), Thailand (Maris Sangiampongsa), Myanmar, and Bhutan (D.N. Dhungyel) participated. The Nepalese and Sri Lankan Foreign Ministers skipped the meeting.

J&K, Punjab officials meet to tackle rise in militancy in Jammu

Peerzada Ashiq

SRINAGAR

The meeting’s top agenda was to plug the holes in the security apparatus, especially along the International Border. ANI ANI

In the wake of rising militancy in Jammu, which borders both Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, top security officials from Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab held an inter-State meeting in Kathua on Thursday. At the same time, over 50 local residents have been rounded up to track down militants and their supporters in Kathua district in connection with the July 8 attack that left five soldiers dead.

Official sources said the meeting’s top agenda was to plug the holes in the security apparatus, especially along the International Border in J&K and Punjab. The officials discussed cross-border infiltration and new routes being identified by militants to fan out into the Jammu region’s two major valleys — the Pir Panjal Valley (comprising Rajouri and Poonch districts) and the Chenab Valley (comprising Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar).

Of Jammu’s 10 districts, nine — Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar, Jammu, and Ramban — have seen a rise in militancy, especially after the Union government revoked J&K’s special constitutional status in 2019.

Deadly attacks

After major attacks on the Army in Poonch and Rajouri from 2020, the militants have fanned out into the previously peaceful areas of Udhampur, Reasi, Doda, and Kathua. All these districts had been declared free of militancy by 2005.

Since April, however, six security personnel have been killed in the Jammu region, including the five soldiers killed in the July 8 attack in Kathua. Five militants were also killed in anti-militancy operations in the region. Kathua comes under the Western Command.

The inter-State meeting was attended by J&K Director-General of Police (DGP) R.R. Swain, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav, and the Special Director-General of BSF, Western Command, Y.B. Khurania. An official said that J&K Additional DGP (Law and Order) Vijay Kumar and Punjab ADG, Law and Order, Arpit Shukla also attended the meeting, along with BSF officers of Inspector General-rank from Punjab and Jammu.

No intrusion recorded on cameras on Jammu-Pak. border: BSF official

Vijaita Singh

NEW DELHI

Amid a fresh wave of terror attacks in the Jammu division, a security audit by the Border Security Force (BSF) has not found any breach along the Jammu-Pakistan border, a senior BSF official said.

The BSF checked the footage of underwater and surface surveillance cameras installed along the 192-km International Border in Jammu but no suspicious movement has been recorded in the past few days, the official told The Hindu.

This year, at least five terror attacks have been reported in Jammu, in which eight security personnel have been killed.

Security forces are investigating if highly trained terrorists had infiltrated from the International Border as four attacks since June 9 have been reported in areas such as Kathua, close to the Jammu border.

On July 8, five Army personnel were killed when terrorists opened fire at two Army vehicles from two directions at Jenda Nallah in Badnota village, around 124 km from Kathua town.

Use of tunnels

The official said the possibility of terrorists using tunnels was also being looked into.

Till 2022, the BSF had detected at least five tunnels along the Jammu border.

“As part of comprehensive border security, we have placed underwater cameras and sensors in the riverine patches. Live electric wires have also been laid down. If an infiltrator tries to cross the border, these devices can send an alarm. This is in addition to BSF personnel who are also stationed there. We checked the footage but none of the sensors or cameras recorded anything amiss,” the official said.

The International Border is secured by the BSF, while the 740-km Line of Control, the effective border in the Kashmir Valley and parts of Jammu, is under the operational control of the Army.

Controversial probationary IAS officer joins duty

Shoumojit Banerjee

Pune

Controversial probationary Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Pooja Khedkar, who is in the eye of a raging storm allegedly for seeking special privileges and faking certificates, joined the Washim district administration on Thursday to complete the remainder of her training amid clamour from activists demanding an in-depth probe into the circumstances of her recruitment.

The Centre constituted a single-member committee, chaired by a senior officer of the rank of Additional Secretary, to verify the candidature claims and other details of Ms. Khedkar. The committee will submit its report within two weeks.

A 2023-batch IAS officer, Ms. Khedkar, who was posted as Additional Collector in Pune, had allegedly sought special privileges including a separate office, a house, a car, and staff (including a constable) before taking charge as an assistant collector — perks not given to trainee officers — amid allegations that her father, a retired IAS officer, used his influence to get his daughter’s demands fulfilled. She even used a ‘Government of Maharashtra’ sticker and a red-blue beacon on her private luxury sedan, an Audi, while on probation in Pune. It later emerged that she allegedly faked mental illness to secure a disability certificate and appeared for the UPSC exam under the visually impaired category.

The litany of controversies led to a probe and a report being submitted by Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase to the General Administration Department (GAD), which saw Ms. Khedkar being transferred to Washim district to complete the remaining term of her training as a “supernumerary assistant collector” till July 30, 2025.

Speaking to reporters in Washim before joining the administration, Ms. Khedkar refused to comment on her controversies, merely saying, “I am very happy to join in Washim district [administration]. I am looking forward to working here… I am not authorised to comment on this issue as government rules do not to speak anything on this matter.”

Washim District Collector Buveneswari S. said that Ms. Khedkar had been allotted the district as a probationary officer.

(With inputs from

Vijaita Singh)

In the course of the conflict, it came to be widely believed that these weapons had armed large parts of the civilian population, including members of Arambai Tenggol.The arrest came a day after the Manipur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force arrested three individuals they identified as “armed cadres of an underground outfit” in Kangpokpi district, during joint operations. The police were acting on inputs from the National Investigation Agency and handed the accused over to the agency after making the arrest. This triggered massive protests in Kangpokpi district, with Kuki-Zo groups seeking their unconditional release on the grounds that they were village volunteers.

A day earlier, on July 8, gunfire was reported in Jiribam, just as Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was planning a visit to the district. In the ensuing security operations, two village volunteers from Phaitol village in Jiribam were arrested with a cache of local handmade weapons, explosives, and ammunition.

Kuki-Zo civil society organisations and the apex bodies of Kuki-Zo tribes held a 12-hour shutdown on July 10 in all Kuki-Zo-dominated districts, to protest against the arrest of “village volunteers” in Phaitol and Kangpoki. During the protest, the Kuki Inpi Manipur, an apex body of Kuki tribes in the State, accused security forces of acting only against their people while “turning a blind eye” to “armed militants” like Arambai Tenggol.

Apart from the recent wave of disturbances in Jiribam district, the combing operations, arrests and weapons recovery come on the heels of continuing protests from both communities, demanding starkly contrasting pre-requisites for “peace and justice” before the conflict can be ended.

Nazir Ronga, J&K Bar’s ad hoc chief, arrested

The Hindu Bureau

SRINAGAR

The ad hoc chairman of the J&K High Court Bar Association (JKHCBA), Kashmir, Nazir Ahmad Ronga, was arrested by the Lieutenant-Governor’s administration in Srinagar, just hours after the Bar issued a notification related to the internal election.

Lawyer Umair Ronga, son of Mr. Ahmad, said the J&K police arrived at their home at 1.10 a.m. “without any arrest warrant” and claimed “Uper se order hai (It’s an order from the top)”.

The 3,000-strong Bar on July 10 sought nominations from lawyers to fill different posts through an internal election. In a fresh notification on Thursday, a Bar spokesman said, “On turn of events the JKHCBA has decided to suspend notification [issued on July 10].”

The J&K administration disallowed elections in the Bar in the past five years. It recently invoked Section 144 and barred any elections. The latest crackdown comes in spite of the recent amendment made to the Bar’s erstwhile constitution dropping a paragraph that stated the Bar “will work towards a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute”.

NEET counselling from July third week: govt.

The government explained that the allocation of seats would depend on the timing of the cancellation of seats if certain candidates were found to be beneficiaries of malpractices. Candidates are usually allowed to change seats in the first and second rounds of counselling as per the options exercised by them. Cancellation would not have any impact on the overall counselling process and allocation of seats if done before the third round, which is expected to start in the second week of September.

If candidature is cancelled after the third round, the vacant seats could still be offered in the subsequent round. Candidates who have already been allocated seats in the earlier rounds would not be able to participate in the subsequent round, the government said.

In case the candidature of any candidate is cancelled after the conclusion of four rounds, the vacated seats could be put up for additional rounds of counselling, the Centre submitted.

Centre begins efforts to implement Labour Codes

A.M. Jigeesh

New Delhi

Mandaviya starts meeting representatives of trade unions seeking their cooperation ; passed by both Houses, the Codes are not yet operational following the objections raised by the unions

Strong opposition: Leaders of trade unions taking out a rally in Visakhapatnam opposing the Labour Codes. File photo

Almost a month after the swearing-in of a Narendra Modi government for the third term, the Union Labour Ministry has started efforts to implement the four Labour Codes, which were passed in Parliament in its second term in 2019 and 2020.

Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Labour Secretary Sumita Dawra have started meeting representatives of various trade unions seeking their cooperation to implement the controversial legislation.

Though passed in both Houses, the Codes are not yet operational owing to objections from trade unions. The Centre has been maintaining that some States are yet to frame the Rules for the Codes. Almost all the States have framed the Rules, and the Centre had said it is helping those States which could not draft the Rules to complete the process.

The Central trade unions (CTUs) had opposed the implementation of the Codes citing that they will curtail trade union rights and social security measures for workers. Recently, the Citigroup had said in its employment analysis report on India that implementing the four Labour Codes could improve the “ease of doing business” scenario in the country.

Mr. Mandaviya met the representatives of Sangh Parivar-backed trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) earlier this week, while Ms. Dawra met a delegation of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) on Wednesday. The leaders of both the trade unions told The Hindu that the Minister and the Secretary were keen to implement the four Labour Codes and sought their help.

BMS general secretary Ravindra Himte said in a release that it had demanded early implementation of the Code on Wages and the Code on Social Security. He, however, said the Industrial Relations Code and Occupational Safety and Health Code contain many anti-worker provisions which need to be changed.

Manali Shah, national secretary of SEWA, said the issue came up in the meeting and the Centre is keen to implement it. She, however, said SEWA is opposed to the four codes and the purpose of visit was mainly to raise the lack of social security measures for unorganised and migrant workers.

“The current social security legislation fails to adequately safeguard their rights as State policies and laws concerning social security offer no specific provisions for migrant workers. Both migrant workers crossing State borders and workers employed outside India face similar deprivation of protection under social security laws and schemes,” a memorandum by SEWA said. Ten Central unions, including SEWA, had written to Mr. Mandaviya urging him to meet the trade unions on the issues of workers.

Ahead of MLC polls in Maharashtra, wary parties move MLAs to hotels

Ateeq Shaikh

Mumbai

Uddhav Thackeray has said that all three MVA nominees will get elected. File photo

A day ahead of the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) election to 11 seats, the fear of cross-voting forced the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) to check in their MLAs into star hotels on Thursday.

Given the seat matrix, the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is supposed to win only two MLC seats. But it has fielded three candidates. The BJP is wary of the MVA deploying the strategy of cross-voting the saffron party had used two years ago.

In 2022, Eknath Shinde had led a revolt during the Legislative Council election. Out of the 10 MLC seats, the MVA was expected to win six, but got one fewer. The BJP got five of its nominees elected to the Upper House as a group of Shiv Sena MLAs cross-voted. After the poll result, Mr. Shinde, with 10 MLAs, reached the BJP-ruled Gujarat and toppled the government headed by Mr. Thackeray.

This time, 12 candidates are in the fray for the 11 seats. The ruling Mahayuti alliance has fielded nine candidates and the MVA has three candidates contesting the biennial election. With five candidates, the BJP has the highest number of nominees, followed by two each from Ajit Pawar’s NCP and Mr. Shinde’s Sena. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) is supporting the Peasants and Workers’ Party of India (PWPI) candidature of sitting MLC Jayant Patil, Mr. Thackeray’s Sena has chosen his close aide Milind Narvekar and the Congress has renominated Pradnya Satav, wife of the late MP Rajeev Satav.

The Congress, with a strength of 37 MLAs, and the NCP (SP), with 12 MLAs, have so far not taken their MLAs to any ‘safe haven’.

As the MVA has fielded three candidates against its assured two wins, speculation is rife in the political circles that Mahayuti MLAs planning to switch to the Opposition alliance post the Lok Sabha election results may have been asked to prove their allegiance by cross-voting in favour of the MVA candidates.

On Thursday, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA and former Minister Bhaskar Jadhav told presspersons that one BJP candidate is set to lose on Friday. Last week, Mr. Thackeray had expressed confidence in all three MVA nominees getting elected.

Of the 288 seats, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly’s existing strength is 274. These MLAs form the electoral college for the July 12 election. Each MLC candidate will require 23 votes to confirm a berth in the Upper House.

The three big allies of the MVA have 65 MLAs and require a minimum of 69 votes for all three of its nominees to win. If the PWPI and Communist Party of India (Marxist), with one MLA each, and the Samajwadi Party, with two MLAs, back the MVA, only then it will be able to sail through. Otherwise, it has to depend on cross-voting. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, which has two MLAs, is not in the MVA.

Justices Kotiswar Singh, R. Mahadevan proposed for elevation to top court

The Hindu Bureau

NEW DELHI

The Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on Thursday recommended Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, Justice of the High Court for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, and Madras High Court Acting Chief Justice R. Mahadevan for appointment as apex court judges.

If the recommendation comes through, Justice Singh will be the first judge from Manipur, a State which has witnessed traumatic months of ethnic violence, to be elevated to the Supreme Court.

“Mr. Justice N. Kotiswar Singh originally hails from Manipur… His (Justice Singh) appointment as a Judge of the Supreme Court will provide representation to the North-East, and in particular he will be the first Judge from the State of Manipur to be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court,” the collegium said in its resolution on Thursday.

The Collegium said Justice Mahadevan was “eminently suitable” for appointment as a Supreme Court judge. He belongs to a backward community from Tamil Nadu, and will bring diversity to the Supreme Court Bench.

Other recommendations

It recommended Justice Tashi Rabstan be appointed Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court.

It recommended Justice K.R. Shriram, a senior judge of the Bombay High Court, for appointment as Madras High Court Chief Justice. Justice G.S. Sandhawalia, from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, was recommended for appointment as the Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Justice Nitin Madhukar Jamdar was recommended for appointment as Chief Justice of the High Court of Kerala.

The Collegium suggested Justice Rajiv Shakdher to be appointed as Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh. It recommend the transfer of the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, M.S. Ramachandra Rao, as Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court.

Justice Manmohan, the Acting Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, was recommended to be appointed as its Chief Justice.

Will raise Manipur issue with full force in Parliament: Rahul

Press Trust of India

New Delhi

The Congress and the INDIA bloc will raise the need for peace in Manipur with full force in Parliament to put pressure on the government to end this tragedy, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said on Thursday, days after his visit to the violence-hit State.

He also reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should visit Manipur and appeal for peace.

Mr. Gandhi made the remarks in a post in Hindi on X (formerly Twitter) as he shared a video of his interactions with the people of Manipur during his day-long visit to the State on Monday.

‘No improvement’

“I have visited Manipur three times since violence broke out there, but unfortunately there is no improvement in the situation — even today the State is divided into two parts. Houses are burning, innocent lives are in danger and thousands of families are forced to live in relief camps,” the former Congress chief said.

The Prime Minister should personally visit Manipur, listen to the problems of the people of the State and appeal for peace, Mr. Gandhi said.

During his stay in Manipur, Mr. Gandhi had visited three relief camps in different districts of the BJP-ruled State and interacted with people belonging to both the warring ethnic groups — Meiteis and Kukis — who were displaced by the violence.

In the video, Mr. Gandhi is seen interacting with people at various relief camps.

“I can help you, I can raise the issue and put pressure but I can’t reassure you when you will be able to go to your homes because the government has the answer to this. You will see in the next session, I will raise your voice,” Mr. Gandhi is seen telling people at the camp.

SJM seeks ‘robot tax’ for AI-induced job loss

Nistula Hebbar

NEW DELHI

A ‘robot tax’ to cross-subsidise employees who lose jobs because of the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by their employers is a key item on the budget wishlist of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), which is affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

In a pre-Budget meeting of economists with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last month, the SJM also suggested that tax incentives be given to industries generating more employment, based on an employment-output ratio.

Ashwani Mahajan, economist and national co-convener of the SJM, who attended the June 20 meeting, told The Hindu that economic measures were needed to cope with the human cost of AI. “We are not against the adoption of cutting-edge technology including AI, but it is a fact that in the short run, this will lead to loss of employment among certain sections of employees, and a ‘robot tax’, as it’s being termed, can be used for creating a fund that would help these workers upskill and adapt to new technologies,” he said.

On job creation

Apart from the ‘robot tax’, some concerns raised during the Lok Sabha poll campaign are also reflected in the SJM’s wishlist. With unemployment being a major theme during the campaign, the SJM has suggested that industries be incentivised to create more jobs through tax measures.

With regard to food inflation, it proposed that small farmers be given subsidies for micro-irrigation projects that they can start on their lands to increase productivity.

On the issue of housing for all, the SJM suggested that a wealth tax be imposed on those holding “vacant land”, in order to “discourage unnecessary land holding on the pretext of future requirements”.

SKM farmers to meet MPs with their 14 demands

The Hindu Bureau

New Delhi

Farmers groups belonging to the Samyukt Kisan Morcha have renewed their struggle with a charter of 14 demands, including the immediate enactment of a law to guarantee minimum support prices (MSPs) for their produce.

The charter will be presented to the Centre and Opposition parties.

Farmers also plan to meet all MPs to ensure that their demands are raised in Parliament.

CBI arrests key accused in NEET paper leak case

Amit Bhelari

PATNA

Rakesh Ranjan, alias Rocky, was arrested from Jharkhand; special CBI court in Patna sends him to 10-day CBI custody; agency had seized copies of chequebook, voter and PAN cards from his house

A group of students met Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at his residence to discuss the controversy around the NEET-UG examination, in New Delhi on Thursday. ANIANI

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Thursday arrested one of the key accused, Rakesh Ranjan, alias Rocky, in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) paper leak case.

Earlier this week, the CBI had searched 15 locations in Bihar and Jharkhand in connection with the case.

Mr. Ranjan allegedly ran a racket involved in the leaking of exam papers. CBI sources said he was arrested from Jharkhand and was brought here on Thursday. A special CBI court here remanded him in CBI custody for 10 days.

On June 30, the CBI team searched the house of Mr. Ranjan at Gagendra Bigha village in Hilsa block of Nalanda district. The team had to break the lock to enter the house. After a search for nearly an hour, the agency seized photocopies of some documents including a chequebook and voter and PAN cards.

Sources said the accused had arranged MBBS students from Patna and Ranchi to solve the NEET question paper after the leak and he is one of the trusted gang members of Sanjeev Mukhiya, who is believed to be the kingpin in the case. He is a relative of Mr. Mukhiya.

Mr. Ranjan is the sixth person from Nalanda to be arrested in the case. The last arrest was made by the CBI on July 9 when it arrested Sunny Kumar. With the arrest of Mr. Ranjan, 28 people have been arrested by the Bihar Police Economic Offences Unit and the CBI. The Central agency has arrested 10 from Bihar.

From Jharkhand, the CBI earlier arrested Ahsanul Haque, Principal, and Imtiaz Alam, Vice-Principal of Oasis School in Hazaribagh, along with a Hindi newspaper journalist, Jamaluddin, who allegedly assisted them on the day of test. Last week, the CBI had arrested Aman Singh from Dhanbad.

CBI sources said Mr. Ranjan was planning to flee to Nepal. With his arrest, the CBI has come closer to Mr. Mukhiya, alias Lootan, who is employed as a technical assistant at the Noorsarai Horticulture College in Nalanda. Mr. Mukhiya is a close associate of Ranjit Don, who was arrested by the CBI in 2003 for being involved in the Common Admission Test paper leak. Ranjit Don also hails from Hilsa.

PM’s heart bleeds for victims in Ukraine but not in Manipur, says Meitei body

The Hindu Bureau

New Delhi

A demonstration organised by the Delhi Meitei Coordination Committee calling for an end to the violence in Manipur.File photo

The Delhi Meitei Coordinating Committee, one of the many conglomerates of Meitei organisations in Delhi, on Thursday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to solving the crisis in Manipur while preaching peace at the international stage with regard to the conflict in Ukraine.

The DMCC, in a statement, said the Prime Minister had “no heart to bleed” for the hundreds killed in Manipur but apparently had one for the innocent lives lost in conflicts such as the one in Ukraine.

“In his addresses [in Russia], Prime Minister Modi underscored that ‘peace is of utmost importance’ and stressed that ‘a solution to the war in Ukraine cannot be found on the battlefield’. While Prime Minister Modi’s efforts to promote peace on the international stage have been applauded, his apparent neglect of a severe domestic crisis in Manipur has raised significant concerns among citizens and political observers,” the committee said.

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has said that Mr. Modi was directly supervising peace efforts to end the ethnic conflict that has been on for more than 14 months now, for which talks had already purportedly started though both Meitei and Kuki bodies have said they have no knowledge of any such peace talks being under way.

The DMCC said it had gone through Mr. Modi’s official schedule and found that he had travelled to Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh 21 times each in 2017 alone, but just once to Sikkim, Mizoram, and Puducherry, while visiting Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland just twice in the past four years.

“Between 2014 and 2018, he has travelled to U.P. the most for both official and unofficial trips, totalling 49 visits. The Prime Minister has visited his bastion, Gujarat, 23 times on official visits, with 10 unofficial visits, totalling 33; but had failed to visit Manipur, where the conflict had killed 221 people, displaced over 60,000 people, led to burning and vandalisation of thousands of homes and hundreds of religious structures, with dozens of people still missing.”

Meanwhile, reacting to the Chief Minister’s remarks that he had full confidence in Mr. Modi’s direct supervision of the efforts to resolve the crisis in Manipur, Kuki bodies such as the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of Kuki tribes in the State, said they had no knowledge of any peace talks. Several Meitei organisations have also said that they had no knowledge of such measures.

The Kuki Students Organisation in Churachandpur too issued a statement saying that they were not aware of any such peace talks being under way.

(set by Vidwan)

1 of 4

2 of 4

3 of 4

4 of 4 Scan to play

Across

8 Irrelevance of poor, desperate singles coming to head (15)

9 Champion of the romantics (4)

10 Support or convert into symmetry (10)

11 Ban English for zero level (4)

12 Supreme Court in splits! Certain to be charmed! (10)

15 Limit of accounts without limits (4)

16 Runs every distance (5)

17 Don't start to talk at summit (4)

19 Curious street diner, most exotic! (10)

21 Finishes send-off (4)

22 It is fine carbon copy prepared in careful and systematic manner (10)

26 Keen on it? No? Maybe! (4)

27 Logical justification right before state takeover of private property? Not new! (15)

Down

1 Picked one of the top players, having half of classes cancelled (8)

2 Short, popular race covering third of mile (10)

3 Moves camera lens around for a photograph (4)

4 Footballer Xabi's not working too (4)

5 Stunned! A second hundred! He is surprisingly beginning to dazzle! (10)

6 Join Navy in uniform (4)

7 Aground like sex worker without work (6)

12 Not remembering? Make time! Thing's not hard! (10)

13 Move one displaced by a staff (5)

14 Like epic art recreated in parody (10)

18 Shun cocaine habit for increment (8)

20 Drink and do trance (6)

23 Go out and have sex with an old flame first (4)

24 Bureaucrat's life, perhaps! (4)

25 Go after hot, unemployed client (4)

HC upholds larger warning labels on

The Hindu Bureau

New Delhi

The government said the more visible warnings would enhance consumer awareness.

The Delhi High Court has ruled in favour of the Union government’s decision to increase the size of statutory warnings on pan masala packages to cover 50% of the front of the label, up from the previous 3 mm font size.

The court’s decision came in response to a petition by a pan masala maker challenging the regulation issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

The company said there was no scientific basis to the increased size. No study was done by the committee formed under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

It appeared that the decision was taken at the instance of one member of the committee at its November 15, 2018 meeting.

The company alleged an inconsistency in warning sizes for similar harmful products, such as alcohol, that still had the 3 mm size.

The FSSAI said the increased warning size was part of a broader public health policy aimed at enhancing consumer awareness and was a reasonable restriction under Article 19(6) of the Constitution.

The court, in its judgment on July 9, said the contention of the company that no scientific studies had been done before recommending the increase was without any merits.

It noted that the recommendation for increasing the statutory warning size was made by the committee at its 31st Meeting on November 15, 2018, on the basis of the scientific opinion of the Scientific Panel on Food Additives, which concluded that pan masala is not safe for human consumption.

The “regulation gives effect to the legislative intent of safeguarding the larger public interest which is paramount”.

The court further referenced expert reports and guidelines from the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry of December 6, 2018, which showed that though there is a worldwide recommendation for banning pan masala, yet the Food Authority has for the present only taken the limited step of increasing the warning size.

The resistance of the petitioners to the increase in the warning size while accepting the existence of the health hazard of pan masala, as evidenced by the expert studies, shows that the petitioner is only seeking to subserve personal interest without regard for the public health, the court said while dismissing the plea of the company.

Guruvayurappan’s greatness

Narayaneeyam begins with the words Sandaranandham, truly encapsulating the delight and spiritual merit one derives from stepping foot in Guruvayur. If Sandra signifies the purity of the ground, anandham denotes delights that is indescribable: it has to be experienced by each individual, much as Narayana Bhattathiri did, when he composed Narayaneeyam, said Damal S. Ramakrishnan in a discourse.

There are various kinds of anandham, but Sandaranandham is the highest form. Every morning before dawn at Guruvayur, devotees rush in, chanting His name in pure joy, eager for a first sight of Him. The ancient stone idol (pathala anjana kal) was fashioned by Vishnu Himself and handed over to Brahma who gave the idol to a couple. Vishnu informed the couple that he Himself would come to earth and conduct puja for the idol no less than three times and safeguard it so that devotees in Kali Yuga can reap spiritual benefit. Later, as His sojourn on earth was nearing its end, Krishna asked Uddava to save the idol from deluge. When Uddava struggled to hold aloft the idol, Varuna tempered the fury so that Guru and Vayu could spot the idol and preserve it. Since Guru and Vayu installed the idol, the town took the name of Guruvayur and the deity came to be known as Guruvayurappan.

14-day judicial custody for Sena politician’s family driver

The Sewri Court in Mumbai sent Rajrishi Bidawat, the driver employed by Shiv Sena politician Rajesh Shah, to a 14-day judicial custody on Thursday in a hit-and-run case. At the time of the accident in which a woman was killed on July 7, Mr. Bidawat was sitting next to the prime accused Mihir Shah, the 23-year-old son of Mr. Rajesh. The high-end car, owned by the politician, was being driven by Mihir, who was purportedly in an inebriated state. Based on instructions from Mr. Rajesh, Mr. Bidawat moved to the driver’s seat after the accident, police said.

‘Youth posted a doctored NET paper; no question leak’

The Hindu Bureau

New Delhi

The Central Bureau of Investigation is likely to file a chargesheet against a youth who allegedly circulated the screenshot of a “doctored” UGC-NET question paper on Telegram ahead of the test on June 18, which led to its cancellation over suspicion of a leak.

The CBI found out after taking over the investigation on June 23 that the screenshot was manipulated to create the impression that the question paper was available before the test was conducted. An alert from the Union Home Ministry on June 19 about a possible “breach” led to the cancellation of the test, officials said.

Nine lakh candidates had appeared across 317 cities for the test, which is held for Ph.D. admissions and entry-level teaching jobs in colleges and universities. The Home Ministry had received an input that the screenshot was circulated around 2 p.m. on the test day with comments suggesting a leak.

SC’s alimony verdict: Muslim groups looking at legal options

Ziya Us Salam

New Delhi

The Muslim religious bodies have decided to adopt a wait and watch approach with respect to the Supreme Court’s verdict earlier this week on Muslim women being entitled to a claim of maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure against her erstwhile husband.

Spokesperson of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board S.Q.R Ilyas told The Hindu that the Board’s legal committee was studying the judgment. “On its advice, the Board may seek legal and other options available to us,” he said.

The All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat president Zafarul Islam Khan called the order a “judicial overreach”, while adding that Muslim organisations should approach a larger Bench to overturn this decision. Senior leaders of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) also preferred to understand the nuances of the verdict before deciding on a future course of action.

Chiefs of BSF, CISF reiterate 10% quota for Agniveers

The Hindu Bureau

NEW DELHI

As Centre feels the heat on Agnipath scheme, it fielded the chiefs of the Central Industrial Security Force and Border Security Force to reiterate the government’s commitment to reserve 10% vacancies in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for Agniveers.

The first batch of Agniveers will be eligible for joining CAPFs in 2026.

On Thursday, Nina Singh, Director-General of CISF, and Nitin Agrawal, D-G, BSF appeared on Doordarshan to reiterate the reservation policy. Ms. Singh said, “The CISF has made all arrangements to absorb Agniveers. They will be an asset to the force. They will be exempted from physical eligibility test.” Mr. Agrawal stated, “Since they are trained and disciplined, they will be aligned with BSF’s work culture. After a short conversion training, they will be deployed at borders.”

DRDO approval for seven new projects by the private sector

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has sanctioned seven new projects for the private sector under the Technology Development Fund scheme. The technologies include Underwater Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; the development of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-based timing acquisition and dissemination system and long-range remotely operated vehicles for detection and neutralisation of targets and development of ice-detection sensor for aircraft.

Carrying 1,930 containers,

The Hindu Bureau

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Mega visitor: San Fernando will leave for Colombo on Friday after the official reception planned by the Kerala government. Special Arrangement

Scripting a new chapter in the maritime history of the country, the first mothership carrying cargo from the Xiamen port in China called at the Vizhinjam international seaport, India’s first deep-water container transshipment port, on Thursday morning.

The Marshall Island-flagged container ship San Fernando, owned by SFL Corporation Ltd. and chartered by Maersk (AP Moller Group), Denmark, is managed and operated by Bernhard Schulte Ship Management, Singapore.

Adani Port pilots boarded the ship carrying 1,930 containers around 7.45 a.m. when the ship reached the passage leading to the berth. The ship was then navigated through the buoyed channel to enter the tranquil breakwater area inside the port. The ship turned around before the tugs pushed it to the berth and moved the ship to the wharf with mooring ropes.

Four tugs were pressed in to bring the ship to the berth. Three tugs were involved in pushing the ship forward and pulling the aft, or vice versa, to turn the ship to get the bow facing out and then aligned the ship with the berth before the tugs finally pushed the ship to berth. The ship’s bow thruster and the power from the main engine were also used for the berthing.

The vessel was set to begin the work of offloading 1,930 containers by around 2 p.m.

Water salute

The ship was also accorded a water salute at the port. The ship will leave for Colombo on Friday after the official reception planned by the State government to be attended by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and others.

The work on the ₹7,700-crore port project, one of the major flagship infrastructure projects promoted by the Kerala government with the Adani Group in the public–private partnership (PPP) mode, started on December 5, 2015.

However, the project, which was scheduled to be commissioned in 2019, got delayed and missed several deadlines due to various reasons. The trial run of the port will officially begin on July 12, ahead of the revised scheduled commissioning in December 2024.

Strong connection

A footbridge made from an old truck chassis has been built to connect Rampaiah Jaddu, a remote hamlet, with Kumtiberu in Karnataka’s Udupi district. For decades, the residents crossed the swollen river during the monsoon through a makeshift wooden footbridge. They can now heave a sigh of relief as their demand for permanent connectivity is being realised.UMESH S SHETTIGAR

Expect implementation of A.P. Reorganisation Act: Congress

The Hindu Bureau

New Delhi

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh says with BJP losing majority, one can hope for rapid work ; he says Centre is initiating feasibility study for refinery, petrochemical complex in A.P. after 10 years

1 of 2

2 of 2 Lackadaisical pace of implementation of the A.P. Reorganisation Act was one of the reasons why TDP chief Naidu withdrew from the NDA in 2018 Jairam Ramesh Congress general secretary

The BJP-led government in the past 10 years dragged its feet in implementing the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, Congress general secretary (communication) Jairam Ramesh said on Thursday, while hoping that since the BJP was now no longer in majority, there would be rapid implementation of the Act.

Flagging a news report on the Centre initiating a feasibility report for an oil refinery and petrochemical complex in Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Ramesh said it was part of the original commitment made by the Manmohan Singh government as part of the 13th Schedule of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

“In fact, the ‘one-third PM’s’ government was legally obliged to deliver the project within the last 10 years, and IOC/HPCL were obliged to examine the feasibility of the project within six months,” Mr. Ramesh said, noting that it was only now that the government was initiating the feasibility study.

The phrase “one-third PM” that the Congress has been using for Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in reference to the BJP’s shrunken presence in the Lok Sabha with 240 seats.

“This lackadaisical pace of implementation of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act was one of the reasons why Telugu Desam Party chief N. Chandrababu Naidu famously withdrew from the NDA in 2018. Perhaps now that the ‘one-third PM’ has lost his majority and his ego, we can expect rapid implementation of the Act,” Mr. Ramesh said.

Trial in ISRO case may be delayed

K.S. Sudhi

KOCHI

The trial in the Indian Space Research Organisation espionage frame-up case may take a significant time to begin as a host of legal options are available for the accused to challenge the case proceedings, including the chargesheet filed against them.

The Central Bureau of Investigation had filed a chargesheet against four former Kerala Police officials and an Intelligence Bureau official in the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Thiruvananthapuram.

The agency named police officers S. Vijayan, Siby Mathews, K.K. Joshua, and P.S. Jayaprakash and former Intelligence Bureau official R.B. Sreekumar as the accused in the case.

The CBI listed Maldivian national Mariam Rasheeda, who was allegedly molested by the first accused Vijayan and illegally detained and tortured by all the other accused, as a witness.

The prominent witnesses include former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan, who too was illegally detained and tortured by the accused, former top police officer Raman Srivastava, and a few journalists who had covered the issue when it unfolded two decades ago.

The accused need not appear in person in court on July 26 when the CJM considers the case. The accused, if being served with summons from the court, can appear through their lawyers and seek an adjournment for appearance or appear in person and obtain bail after fulfilling the bail conditions imposed by the court.

Later, they can challenge the proceedings adopted by the magistrate in the case. The accused can move a discharge petition before the CJM arguing that there is no sufficient grounds for framing charges against them.

They can argue for discharge up to the Supreme Court in the event of the CJM and HC turning down the discharge pleas. The legal process may take significant time to complete and the trial will be put on hold till the appeal courts adjudge on the plea of the accused, sources say.

In the event of the dismissal of the discharge petitions, the trial will be held in the CJM court, Thiruvananthapuram, as the offences charged against the accused are triable by a magistrate court.

Do not panic, Vizag steel plant will not be shut down, says Steel Minister Kumaraswamy

V. Kamalakara Rao

Visakhapatnam

Maiden visit: Union Minister of Steel & Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plan on Thursday.

Do not panic, we will not shut down the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), assured Union Steel & Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.

“The family of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the corporate arm of VSP, should not panic about its closure,” Mr. Kumaraswamy said during his visit to the plant here for the first time on Thursday. He was accompanied by Union Minister of State for Steel Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma.

Mr. Kumaraswamy is president of the Karantaka unit of the Janata Dal (Secular), which is a part of the NDA coalition government at the Centre.

Addressing the trade union representatives, Mr. Kumaraswamy extended all support to the steel plant, and said, “With the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RINL will not be shut down and, instead, its production will reach 100%. We believe that RINL is one of the PSUs that helps in improving the country’s GDP.”

Offence of cruelty by husband does not apply to live-in partner: Kerala High Court

The Hindu Bureau

KOCHI

Marriage is the constituent which takes the woman’s partner to the status of her husband, says Kerala HC.

The Kerala High Court has observed that a man who was not a legally wedded partner of a woman cannot be prosecuted for the offence of cruelty under Section 498 (A) of the India Penal Code (IPC) as he does not come under the definition of husband in the Section.

Justice A. Badharudeen made the observation recently while quashing a case registered against a live-in partner on a complaint of a woman.

The court observed that the term “husband” means a married man, a woman’s partner in marriage. Thus, the marriage was the constituent which takes the woman’s partner to the status of her husband. Marriage means a marriage in the eye of the law. Thus, without legal marriage, if a man becomes a woman’s partner, he will not be covered by the term ‘husband’ under Section 498(A) of IPC.

The allegation against the man was that, while the woman was maintaining a live-in relationship with the accused, during the period from March 13, 2023 to August 20, 2023 at his house, he mentally and physically harassed her.

Congress will rectify its mistakes of LS election, says Shivakumar

Press Trust of India

Bengaluru

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday said the Congress party would evaluate and rectify the mistakes it committed in the Lok Sabha election in the State.

He said the exercise is aimed at taking on the Bharatiya Janata Party-Janata Dal (Secular) combine.

Speaking to reporters at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee office, Mr. Shivakumar, who is also the Congress State president, said the party increased its tally from one seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha election to nine in 2024, but that fell short of the expectation of at least 14 to 15 seats.

“The performance will be evaluated by the party in the presence of the AICC fact-finding committee. This process is taking place across the country. We are sharing our reports for the four geographical regions of the State. We will discuss and find out the shortcomings,” Mr. Shivakumar said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said though the party fielded good candidates in the recent Lok Sabha election, it did not translate into favourable results.

“We need to understand the subtle factors which have influenced the results. We knew the BJP-JDS combine had an advantage. We will prepare ourselves to fight with them in the future election,” Mr. Shivakumar added.

Telangana SIB former chief denies phone tapping allegations

Press Trust of India

Hyderabad

The former chief of Telangana’s Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB), T. Prabhakar Rao, a key accused in the phone-tapping case, has denied the allegations made against him and termed them “wild and false”.

The retired police officer, who is in the U.S. for “medical treatment”, recently wrote to the investigating officer of the case, asserting that he had neither committed nor directed anyone to commit any illegal acts or omissions while discharging his duties as a police officer at any time, including as the chief of the SIB.

“My consulting doctors advised me not to travel out of the USA till my health has completely stabilised as it may have grave consequences if not diagnosed and treated on time,” Mr. Rao said.

A suspended DSP of the SIB, two Additional Superintendents of Police, and a former Deputy Commissioner of Police have been arrested by the Hyderabad Police since March 13 for allegedly erasing the intelligence information from various electronic gadgets as well as for alleged phone tapping during the previous BRS regime.

The former SIB chief said he was “prepared to assist in the investigation in any kind of questioning over video conferencing or teleconferencing”.

Telangana starts exercise for Budget Session

The Hindu Bureau

HYDERABAD

The Telangana government has initiated exercise for conducting the Budget Session of Legislature in the last week of this month.

Assembly Speaker G. Prasad Kumar and Council Chairman Gutha Sukhender Reddy conducted a preparatory meeting with senior officials on Thursday. The meeting comes against the backdrop of the Union government’s announcement on introducing the Budget for the FY 2024-25 in Parliament on July 23. The State government had passed a Vote on Account Budget on February 10.

Sports

- Gritty Paolini outlasts Vekic in an epic, earns a shot at glory

- Amritraj, Paes and Evans feted at Wimbledon

- Tendulkar’s was a big wicket, he was the ‘best batter’ to bowl to: Anderson

- Windies in dire straits after Smith’s knock gives England a big lead

- Need to give my 100% every single day, says Washington

- Musetti says making semifinal ‘best day of life after son’s birth’

- Barty plays exhibition doubles at Wimbledon but happy to stay retired

- Medvedev is like a wall, every ball bounces back: Alcaraz

- The results

- Watkins’ last-gasp strike puts England in its second successive summit clash

- Arshdeep credits Bumrah for guiding him at critical junctures

- Around THE CITY

- Sonu sizzles with the ball as Royal Kings rule the day

- Girmay wins stage 12; Morkov withdraws with COVID-19

- Udhayanidhi presents cheque to carrom team, fencer Joyce

- Ganguly buys Kolkata team in Indian Racing League

- LiVE TELECAST

- Engagements

- I’m in good shape and with a decent draw, I can make it

Gritty Paolini outlasts Vekic in an epic, earns a shot at glory

N. Sudarshan

LONDON

The Italian loses the opening set before raising her game in the second, the thrilling decider lasts an hour and 25 minutes; Krejcikova comes from behind to knock out the 2022 All England champion Rybakina in another exciting duel

‘Fight for every ball’: Paolini refused to throw in the towel despite being a set down and falling behind in the third. Getty ImagesJULIAN FINNEY

Women’s tennis is in a unique place where there is space for both the familiar and the novel. There have been repeat Slam champions in the recent past, like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. There have also been first-time winners like Marketa Vondrousova and surprise finalists like Zheng Qinwen.

Wimbledon 2024 has stayed true to this, and on Thursday, Barbora Krejcikova and Jasmine Paolini became the latest to join this assorted bunch, setting up Saturday's final following come-from-behind victories.

While Krejcikova, the 2021 French Open champion, overcame Elena Rybakina, the 2022 All England winner, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, Paolini edged a two-hour 51-minute thriller over Croatia’s Donna Vekic 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(8).

In all fairness, Paolini is no novice. The 28-year-old finished runner-up to Swiatek at the French Open just a month ago and entered Wimbledon seeded seventh.

But she would have been nobody’s bet to make a second straight final, for she had never won a main draw match at SW19, and the last woman to make the title-round in both Paris and London back to back was the legendary Serena Williams.

“It was really tough,” said a beaming Paolini after the Centre Court epic. “She was hitting winners everywhere and I was struggling. But I told myself to fight and there is no place better than here to fight for every ball. I will remember this forever.”

For a good part of the contest, it seemed like she would end up remembering it for the wrong reasons. Paolini was clearly the craftier player, but Vekic’s superior weight of stroke was a big advantage.

Vekic had six inches on Paolini, and it showed in the way she muscled the ball. A solitary break in the fifth game was enough for Vekic to take the first set, as she won 16 of 19 service points and blasted 12 winners to Paolini’s five.

In the second, the Italian raised her game, serving better, scurrying all over, making Vekic hit the extra shot and pulling the trigger herself when the opportunity arose. Paolini gave the ball a lot more air and hit with more spin to make Vekic’s flat strokes difficult to control.

This was evident in the 10th game of the second set when Vekic served at 4-5 and Paolini hurried her 28-year-old opponent into making two forehand errors. A nervy Vekic then dumped a double fault before a slapped forehand winner from Paolini levelled matters.

The decider was a one-hour 25-minute slugfest that will eventually come to define this duel. In the first eight games, the two traded breaks twice. Paolini hit at varying trajectories, giving Vekic multiple problems. But the latter managed to hold on, battling fatigue by going for the point-ending extreme angle and mostly finding it.

Vekic saved two match-points — the second with a terrific down-the-line forehand — and Paolini two break-points, as the match unsurprisingly slipped into the 10-point tie-breaker.

They were again neck to neck, fighting to 8-8, before two forehand errors from Vekic sealed Paolini’s spot in the summit clash.

Hall of Famers Amritraj, Paes and Evans feted

N. Sudarshan

LONDON

Honoured: Evans, Amritraj and Paes at the felicitation event in Wimbledon on Thursday. N. Sudarshan

Vijay Amritraj, Leander Paes and Richard Evans, the 2024 International Tennis Hall of Fame inductees, were honoured at an event held on the sidelines of The Championships in Wimbledon, on Thursday.

Amritraj, a former top-20 player and celebrated broadcaster, and Evans, a renowned author and journalist, have been inducted in the contributor category, while Paes, an 18-time Major champion and Olympic bronze medallist, is in the player category.

Interestingly, Paes was in the first batch of trainees at the erstwhile Britannia Amritraj Tennis Academy (BAT) in Chennai and Evans is the co-author of Amritraj’s autobiography.

“What a privilege to watch these two who were naturally skillful at a difficult sport,” Evans said about Amritraj and Paes. “There was elegance, power and skill in them for such a long period of time.

“And we media guys couldn’t have found more approachable players. I am honoured to be sandwiched between these two Indians.”

Paes credited the Amritraj family for shaping his tennis career and also recollected the first time he met Evans.

“I grew up watching these guys,” Paes said, pointing to Amritraj. “I wouldn’t be what I am today without them. At that time, I was on a football scholarship at a European club. Tennis was never on my mind.

“Anand, his brother, gave me an audition. On 12th May 1986, I joined BAT. I went to church every Sunday with their parents. The history I share with them, I am greatly proud of.

“On that 12th May, Richard [Evans] was also there, writing Vijay’s autobiography. He asked me what I wanted to be and I said Olympic champion. He said I could also be a tennis Hall of Famer if I worked hard. To sit with them now is my greatest privilege,” added Paes.

Amritraj, on his part, said his whole tennis journey was surreal. “All of these were distant goals. I am amazed at my parents who actually imagined and dreamed of things we couldn’t.

“This [award] gives me a flash of my memory. From [age] 7 to 70 flashed before me. When I played, it was always an Indian on Centre Court, not me. So this is India being honoured.”

Tendulkar’s was a big wicket, he was the ‘best batter’ to bowl to: Anderson

Press Trust of India

LONDON

Worthy rivals! Though Anderson got the better of Tendulkar on nine occasions, the Indian maestro also held his own against the England speedster.Getty Images

England fast bowling great James Anderson, who is into his final few days as an international cricketer, enjoyed his battles against Sachin Tendulkar the most over the course of his remarkably long career.

Even though Anderson dismissed Tendulkar on nine occasions, he could not have a set plan against the Indian master blaster.

Biggest test

“The best batter I would have to say is Sachin Tendulkar,” Anderson told Sky Sports when asked about the toughest batter he bowled to.

“I don’t remember having a specific game plan against Sachin Tendulkar. Once he came on, I would just think that I cannot bowl a bad ball here, he was that kind of player.

“He was a key for India as well. If you get him out in India, the whole atmosphere, in the ground changes.

“He was such a big wicket,” Anderson said.

Enjoyable competition

Anderson said both he and Tendulkar enjoyed success against each other.

“You just try on bowling your best ball, top of off-stump, the whole time and hope he miss a straight one. In England, he might knick the odd one, but generally, I’d try and get him out leg-before early,” he said.

“I had some success against him, but he had success against me as well. He got runs against us quite a lot,” Anderson said.

Windies in dire straits after Smith’s knock gives England a big lead

Reuters

LONDON

Hitting away: Smith played to his potential, smashing two sixes and eight fours.Getty Images

West Indies limped to 79 for six at stumps on the second day of the first Test against England at Lord’s on Thursday, trailing the host by 171 runs and heading for a heavy defeat.

Half-centuries by Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith lifted England to a first-innings total of 371 before James Anderson, playing his 188th and last Test match, bowled Windies captain Kraigg Brathwaite with a fine delivery that jagged back.

Kirk McKenzie, Mikyle Louis and Kavem Hodge fell cheaply and only a battling partnership between Alick Athanaze and Jason Holder ensured the game went into a third day.

Anderson dismissed Athanaze for 22, however, and Gus Atkinson snared Holder for 20 with the final ball of the day.

Earlier, England had resumed on 189 for three and Brook batted with attacking intent, reaching his 12th fifty in 13 Tests. Ben Stokes was bowled by Gudakesh Motie with a ball that spun sharply.

Root eased to his 62nd Test fifty and looked completely untroubled until just before lunch when Motie produced another fine turning delivery to bowl him for 68.

The 23-year-old Smith, making his Test debut, shared a 52-run partnership with Chris Woakes who was caught at square leg off Jayden Seales for 23.

Fast bowler Gus Atkinson, who took seven West Indies first-innings wickets on his debut, fell first ball to Holder and Smith went on the attack, hitting two big sixes and eight fours in the sunshine to underline his potential.

Shoaib Bashir was run out by a brilliant throw from Louis and Smith became Seales’ fourth victim when he holed out to McKenzie. Anderson did not face a ball in what may be his final Test innings after receiving another warm ovation from the crowd as he walked out to bat.

The scores:

West Indies 121 & 79/6 in 34.5 overs vs. England 371 in 90 overs (Crawley 76, Pope 57, Root 68, Brook 50, Smith 70, Seales 4/77).

Need to give my 100% every single day, says Washington

AFPJEKESAI NJIKIZANA

Washington Sundar said on Wednesday that he “needs to give his 100%” to stake a claim for the spin all-rounder’s slot in India’s T20 side, a spot that is up for grabs after the retirement of Ravindra Jadeja. “I need to give my 100% every single day. That’s something that I have not compromised on,” said Washington.

Musetti says making semifinal ‘best day of life after son’s birth’

AFPANDREJ ISAKOVIC

Lorenzo Musetti said reaching his first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon was the best day of his life after the birth of his son. Musetti defeated USA’s Taylor Fritz and will face Novak Djokovic for a place in the final. “It’s a magic day,” said the 22-year-old. “I have to say after the birth of my son, I will put this in the second position today.”

Barty plays exhibition doubles at Wimbledon but happy to stay retired

APKIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH

Ash Barty was searching for a thesaurus after her exhibition doubles match at Wimbledon on Wednesday. A three-time Grand Slam singles champion, Barty retired just over two years ago at the age of 25. She plans to stay retired. “You guys are killing me,” Barty told journalists. “Anyone have a thesaurus for a word that I can use for no?’”

Medvedev is like a wall, every ball bounces back: Alcaraz

AFPANDREJ ISAKOVIC

Carlos Alcaraz was candid and clear when asked about his Wimbledon semifinal opponent Daniil Medvedev. “The most difficult thing about facing Daniil, or the most special thing about him, is he can reach every ball,” Alcaraz said. “He is like a wall. Every ball bounces back,” added the Spaniard.

Women: Semifinals: 7-Paolini (Ita) bt Vekic (Cro) 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(8). 31-Krejcikova (Cze) bt 4-Rybakina (Kaz) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Watkins’ last-gasp strike puts England in its second successive summit clash

Reuters

DORTMUND

Simons gives the Dutch the lead with a screamer after seven minutes before Kane scores from the spot in the 18th minute to restore parity

1 of 2 Smoothly done! Watkins, right, lets it rip past Dutch ’keeper Verbruggen to send England in to the final.AP

2 of 2

Substitute Ollie Watkins scored a stoppage-time winner to send England through to its second successive European Championship final on Wednesday as it finally turned on the style to beat Netherlands 2-1 on a memorable night.

With the match looking set for extra time, Watkins received a pass from fellow sub Cole Palmer and fired a sweet strike into the far corner. Xavi Simons had brilliantly put the Dutch ahead after seven minutes, with England equalising 11 minutes later with a Harry Kane penalty.

Chances came and went in an all action first half, then things settled in the second before the late drama that sent England to play Spain on Sunday.

Frenetic start

It was a frenetic start as Simons robbed Declan Rice and slammed a screamer into top corner, and though the Orange Wall behind the goal erupted, it proved something of a false dawn.

England levelled when Kane was caught by the studs of Denzel Dumfries as he shot, earning a VAR-reviewed penalty that the England striker drilled into the bottom corner.

They were desperately close to a second five minutes later when Phil Foden brilliantly skipped through a series of tackles almost to the line and when he finally dug out a shot Dumfries was on hand to clear it off the line.

Foden, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka were playing with the swagger that they showed all season for their clubs while the incredible 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo was running midfield like a veteran.

It was a scarcely believable transformation as the team sent in crosses high and low, attempted probing through balls and even a couple of back heels in the box while forcing Bart Verbruggen into three sprawling saves.

The Dutch threw on striker Wout Weghorst for the second half while England brought on Luke Shaw.

Gareth Southgate took dramatic action by removing Foden and Kane, bringing on Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer after 80 minutes.

Rare attack

Saka did turn in a low Kyle Walker cross in a rare attack but it was ruled out for offside.

However, Palmer, who has looked dangerous every time he has come on, threaded a pass into the path of Watkins to cue bedlam.

It was heartbreak for the Dutch, who have now lost four semifinals since winning the title in 1988.

The result (second semifinal):

Netherlands 1 (Simons 7) lost to England 2 (Kane 18-pen, Watkins 90+1).

Arshdeep credits Rohit and Bumrah for guiding him at critical junctures

Shayan Acharya

CHANDIGARH

Proud parents: Arshdeep with his father and mother during an interview with the Sportstar at his residence in Chandigarh. R.V. MOORTHY

Arshdeep Singh is just two-years old in the international cricket arena, but the fast bowler has already emerged as one of death over specialists in the T20Is.

An architect of India’s T20 World Cup win in the West Indies, Arshdeep finished as the joint highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets, the same as Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi, and earned a lot of praise for keeping calm under pressure.

The youngster, however, believes that a lot of credit goes to captain Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah for guiding him at the crucial junctures.

“Rohit bhai and Jassi bhai are legends of the game. They have been dominating the international arena for a long time now. Whenever I have a point, I ask them whether I can implement it. They ensure that my suggestions are taken into account and the field is set accordingly. That helps me focus on the job at hand,” Arshdeep told Sportstar.

The conversations

“Jassi bhai is a unique bowler with a different bowling action, so the things that work for him might not work for others, but he makes it a point to guide me on how to adjust the bounce and even suggest areas jahan pe ball jaldi reverse hoga (where the ball will reverse quicker). During the World Cup, he told me not to go for swing early on because on those surfaces, the ball won’t swing much, so it was better to hit the hard lengths.

“He keeps telling me those things throughout the match and our discussions often get animated because I am a young blood, so at times, I do disagree with him,” Arshdeep said with a smile.

However, he learns from his mistakes. A similar incident happened during India’s fixture against Afghanistan as well. “The ball was reversing a lot, so he (Bumrah) suggested a few field placements accordingly. But I thought otherwise, and suggested a different field setting. He told me calmly that I should have faith in him and send the fielder to where he was suggesting. I listened to him and bowled in the right areas. As luck would have it, we got an edge and the ball went straight to the fielder, and then, Jassi bhai walked up to me with a smile and said, “see, you should have faith in me and just keep bowling in the right areas.” It indeed helped,” Arshdeep said.

Arshdeep has so far featured in 52 T20Is and six ODIs, and now he hopes to play Test cricket. “Jassi bhai keeps telling me that I should play red-ball and I agree with him,” he said.

In his journey, Arshdeep has had the backing of Rahul Dravid - first as the coach of India U-19 and later as the head coach of the senior team. “I made it a point to pick his brains and always ask questions about the game — and those conversations have always helped me,” he said.

Rare sight

“It was a rare sight to see Rahul sir so emotional after we won the T20 World Cup. It also feels good to see someone of his stature getting the reward — a World Cup title — that he thoroughly deserves for all the effort he has put in over the years. I am glad that we were able to give him a fitting farewell by winning the title.”

Home coming The students and staff wished Sharath well at the Paris Olympics.M. Srinath

PSBB felicitates Sharath Kamal

Olympic table tennis player Sharath Kamal, who will be the Indian male contingent’s flag bearer for the Paris Olympics 2024, was on Thursday felicitated at both branches of his old school, the T. Nagar and Nungambakkam branches of Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan.

Students and staff welcomed him with enthusiasm and wished him well. Speaking at the function, he recalled his memories of being in school and said he even remembered the staff till today. To achieve anything in life you have to have hard work and persistence, he told the students.

Sreekrishnan and Kannan corner glory

R. Sreekrishnan and R. Kannan won the Madras Race Club open bridge tournament with 69.19%. The pair of M. Tamilselvan & Thirunavukkarasu (64.58%) came second, while the team of Nirmal Jain & Nirmal Mirza (64.32%) placed third.

Cricket tournament

The South Madras Cricket Academy will conduct a league-cum-knockout tournament for Jai Hind Trophy from July 27.

Entries close on July 20. For details contact 98843 02787.

Thirumaran elected president

Dr. S. Thirumaran from Tirunelveli was elected president of the Tamil Nadu State Aquatic Association at the AGM held on Thursday.

T. Chandrasekaran and K.T. Muraleedharan will continue as secretary and treasurer for a second term.

Former international swimmers Shruthy, Ayshwarya and Aravind were elected as executive committee members.

Sonu sizzles with the ball as Royal Kings rule the day

Sankar Narayanan E.H.

Salem

Fiery spell: Sonu’s five-for reduced the Spartans to just 141. E. LAKSHMI NARAYANANLAKSHMI NARAYANAN E

The curtains came down on the first leg of the eighth edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League with a photo finish at the picturesque Salem Cricket Foundation Ground as Nellai Royal Kings pipped SKM Salem Spartans by three wickets here on Thursday.

Chasing a modest target of 142, Royal Kings threw caution to the wind and it almost came back to haunt them in the end.

With wickets falling at one end, it took Impact Player L. Suryapprakash’s (43 n.o., 35b, 5x4) sensible batting to take the Nellai side across the line with seven balls to spare.

Despite losing a couple of wickets, G. Ajitesh (45, 36b, 6x4, 1x6) kept on playing his shots. However, Yazh Arun Mozhi (3 for 17) had Ajitesh caught behind and removed Nidhish Rajagopal. The off-spinner trapped Rithik Easwaran in front to throw the cat among the pigeons.

After being asked to bat, Spartans fell meekly in front of Sonu Yadav’s terrific five-wicket haul (5/30).

B. Emmanuel Cherian caught S. Abishiek off his own bowling before Sonu removed R. Kavin and clipped R. Vivek’s off-stump to peg back the home side.

Robin Bist, Vishal Vaidhya and P. Shijit Chandran, too, departed cheaply before the lower-order batters found some timely boundaries.

However, Sonu & Co. finished what they started and dismissed the Spartans for 141.

The scores:

SKM Salem Spartans 141 in 19.2 overs (Sonu Yadav 5/30, R. Silambarasan 2/32) lost to Nellai Royal Kings 144/7 in 18.5 overs (G. Ajitesh 45, L. Suryapprakash 43 n.o., S. Harish Kumar 2/24, Yazh Arun Mozhi 3/17).

Toss: Royal Kings.

Girmay wins stage 12; Morkov withdraws with COVID-19

Eritrean Biniam Girmay won the 12th stage of the Tour de France on Thursday, a 204-kilometer ride from Aurillac to Villeneuve-Sur-Lot. Girmay took his third victory in this year’s Tour, edging out Wout van Aert and Arnaud Demare who rounded out the podium, while Slovenian Tadej Pogacar retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey. Meanwhile, the veteran rider Michael Morkov of the Astana team withdrew from the Tour before the start of the 12th stage because of a COVID-19 infection. The 39-year-old Dane tested positive on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.

Udhayanidhi presents cheque to carrom team, fencer Joyce

Tamil Nadu Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development Udhayanidhi Stalin on Thursday presented a cheque for ₹1.5 lakh each to carrom players K. Nagajothi, M. Khazima, V. Mitra, and coach Maria Irudayam for their participation in the Carrom World Cup to be held from November 10 to 17 at California. The minister also presented a cheque for ₹2 lakh to fencer Joyce Ashita for her participation in the Junior Commonwealth Fencing Championship to be held from July 16 to 19 in New Zealand.

Ganguly buys Kolkata team in Indian Racing League

Former India cricket captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has joined the motorsports bandwagon by becoming the owner of Kolkata Royal Tigers Racing team in the Indian Racing Festival. It has two main championships — Indian Racing League (IRL) and Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC). Eight city-based teams — Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Kochi, and Ahmedabad — will compete in the championship from August to November.

England vs West Indies: 1st Test, day 3, Sony Sports Ten 1 (SD & HD) & LIV, 3.30 p.m.

Wimbledon: SS Select 1, 2 (SD & HD) & Hotstar, 6.30 p.m.

Cycling: Tour de France, Eurosport (SD & HD), 7.30 p.m.

Cricket: TNCA Women’s League T20 Freyer Trophy Final, Green Invaders vs Purple Blazers, MAC Stadium, 7 p.m.

I’m in good shape and with a decent draw, I can make it

Amol Karhadkar

The primary goal will be the team event, where we want to win the first match; once you win it, you are in the quarterfinal and then anything can happen. Then we are in a great spot, funding will be better, people will be taken care of and players don’t have to worry. That is my goal and that is what I am looking at

1 of 3 Trailblazer: Sharath, who kickstarted the Indian table tennis revolution, says Paris 2024 will be his last Olympics.K. MURALI KUMARMURALI KUMAR K

2 of 3

3 of 3 For me, what matters most in this Olympic Games — the main goal that I have been looking forward for the last eight years or so, even more — was the team qualifying

He won his first Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2004. He made his Olympic debut later that year. Since then, for two decades, A. Sharath Kamal — the lanky paddler from Chennai — has been the flagbearer of Indian table tennis all over the globe. Come July 26, and Sharath – in his fifth Olympic appearance – will be the Indian Olympic contingent’s flag-bearer at the opening ceremony.

Set to turn 42, Sharath isn’t thrilled as much with his new title as he is with having achieved what he set out to do a long time ago. He sits down for a long chat, spelling out everything around Paris and beyond. Excerpts:

What matters more for Sharath? Playing your fifth Olympics or being India’s flag-bearer?

For me, what matters most in this Olympic Games - the main goal that I have been looking forward for the last eight years or so, even more - was the team qualifying. So when we qualified for the team event, I didn’t care about if I played singles or mixed. Qualifying as a team is an important aspect for table tennis becoming much more popular. To add to that, the flag-bearer news was phenomenal. Because I still remember 2008 and Rathore was the flag-bearer. He called me by his side and he said ‘you stay here’. Just standing beside him, I felt so proud and I was thinking how proud he must have been, people who know him, like the emotions that he would have while entering the stadium into holding the flag. I thought wow, such a lucky man. He, of course, deserved it. And now this time on the 26th of July, I will have the same honour.

It took me time to believe that it’s not a prank, that it’s something serious. But in the end, after a couple of days, I saw how the whole table tennis fraternity – not just in India but the whole world – showed its love and people were asking ‘you know that you are the flag-bearer?’ That was nice. That was the cherry on the top.

Do you recall a moment when you particularly made up your mind that qualifying as a team has to be the next big goal for Indian table tennis?

Yes. When we lost out on qualification in 2020. We had the ranking, but we failed to make itin the qualification tournament. And that loss was quite heavy, at least for me. I felt like I didn’t shoulder the responsibility well enough for the team. Those self-doubts were there and that was when it hit me. ‘What next after the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham?’ That was the question. ‘To go in for (Olympic) singles, Last 16, quarterfinal? Fantastic, very good. But apart from Sharath Kamal, who benefits from that?’ The sport is much bigger than me or a couple of players. Team qualification can raise the profile of the game. I had been there for singles, so I had to set my sights on the bigger picture. To qualify as a team, I have to drive, not just myself, but also the youngsters. I remember there was a phone call. I was driving for practice and Sathiyan called me up from France. We discussed our rankings are going down, we needed to make sure that one is in the top 40 and the other one is around 60-70. I said the first option is yours, the second option is mine.

Then we also brought in Chris (Pfeiffer, their coach) to help Manav, Manush, and myself. Harmeet also got his share. All of us had a part to play and we kept trying. The most important thing I kept telling all of them was, ‘guys, we need to do it as a team and if we do it as a team, we will qualify in singles. We don’t need to worry about anything else. The internal competition doesn’t come in at all. We don’t need to fight each other, we collectively fight, and this is all’. Harmeet was completely tuned for that. His main goal by December-January for the team to qualify, even though his ranking was so high. He would have made it for singles and everything. He channelised everything into the team goal, so I kept telling him, ‘I am there to support you now. I’m right behind you. You drive it.’ That is what he did at the World Championships.

After the team qualification was formalised in early March, you seem to have just switched gears seamlessly...

Once the team got through – it was announced on the 5th of March - it was a burden off my shoulders. I started to breathe, I was happy, and then the Singapore Smash happened. Over there, I just ran helter-skelter. I was moving so swiftly, even though I was heavier. I was close to 90-91 kilos, my highest, but I was able to cover the full table with forehand. In fact, I had told my wife that I’ll be back on Sunday or Monday and I kept on playing till next Sunday. My son asked me “which Sunday did you tell us that you will be home?” So then my singles place was also taken care of. And then one week after, I got the flag-bearer news. The month of March was like a dream.

What does it mean for women’s team to qualify, especially considering Manika Batra is yet to peak in her career?

It is Manika’s third Olympics. As a woman, I think she is the first Indian table tennis player to do so. She has equalled – if not surpassed – some of the top male athletes in that respect. She is there at the front to lead Sreeja Akula, Archana Kamath and Ayhika’s (Mukherjee, the reserve), all of whom are playing their first Olympic games. And Ayhika is the oldest of the lot. So I am sure there is still a long way to go for women’s table tennis.

What can we expect in Paris?

This is going to be my last Olympic Games.

Are you sure? I am not, since we had a similar conversation ahead of Tokyo...

I am sure because I am having more fun in providing for the table tennis players in terms of an administrator or a high performance director. With the image and the connections that I have, I should be able to put a system in place. Kamlesh sir (Mehta, two-time Olympian who is the TTFI secretary general) is trying. But if I can join and put those things in place, have a few national training centers, it will greatly benefit Indian table tennis. India is very big country. You should have zonal centres. For that you need a lot of funding, but I’m sure that we can raise the funds with government and private support, so for me personally, I feel I can get those resources into the sport. If I am still playing, I can’t be doing that.

Is this the most relaxed you have been going into an Olympics?

Certainly. For the last four Olympics, I qualified four or, at most, six weeks earlier. So all the energy was consumed on just qualifying for Olympics. This is the first time due to team qualification, we have almost five months to prepare for the Olympic Games. And I am making the best of it.

How have you prepared for Paris?

In March, I sat down with my personal team, coach Rajath (Kamal, younger brother), Ramji Srinivasan, Chris, and everyone else. When they saw the plan, I needed downtime in March, so I spent two weeks catching up with friends and family. By the end of March, I started with diet regime. I was 92 kilos. I told the nutritionist I needed to lose five to six kilos gradually because I want to stabilise every kilo that I lose. Then we started doing fitness, two sessions a day and then gradually increased the playing workload. Then we went to Europe. Four weeks there, six to seven hours of table tennis on a daily basis. I hadn’t done it for a long time. Came back and finished my other commitments before heading to Bengaluru for the team camp and entering the preparatory tournaments.

For the first time, you have had time to set goals for the Olympics. What is it that you want to achieve?

In Paris, of course you start with singles. I played a round of 32. That’s been my best, in Tokyo and Beijing. I would like to better that. I am in good shape and with a decent draw, I think I can make it. If I can recreate the Singapore Smash, I’d be very, very happy. But the primary goal will be the team event, where we want to win the first match. We want to win the round of 16. Once you win it, you are in the quarterfinal and then anything can happen. God forbid, but if you lose, still Indian table tennis has reached the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games. Then we are in a great spot.

Funding will be better. People will be taken care of. Players don’t have to worry. So that is my goal. That is what I am looking at.

Will we see you playing post Paris?

I doubt if I will be playing the team championship. I will play another year, but I might not go for all the tournaments. I might not be training as much. To be away from the family for two months at a stretch is tough for me, tougher for the family.

Business

- Keep raising road-infra spending, frame policies to boost electrification

- ‘Food prices a worry but June inflation may not exceed 5%’

- TCS net rose 8.7% to ₹12,040 cr. in Q1, buoyed by manufacturing

- Rethink tax on debt oriented MFs: AMFI

- Shibaura Machine targets higher exports, revenue

- Edible-oil firm Gemini enters TN via Be-Rite brand

- ‘Joint group formed for reforms in E&P sector’

- Brookfield to invest $200 mn in Leap Green Energy stake

- RBI allows resident Indians to open FCAs in GIFT City IFSC

Keep raising road-infra spending, frame policies to boost electrification

Santhosh Iyer

Right path: Excellent road infrastructure created in the last couple of years has boosted the growth of the auto industry.The HinduK Ragesh

The growth of the automotive industry in India has happened because of the excellent road infrastructure which has been created during the last couple of years. A lot of intercity travel means consumers want luxury cars, they want to have safer cars and that has helped drive growth in the industry.

This time, from the Union Budget, we would expect not only continuity in infrastructure spending but also higher spending on road infrastructure because there is a lot of headroom for improvement for the industry to grow.

Retain EV tax sops

For long-term success of electrification of automobiles, one of the big factors helping us, is the reduced duty structure that enables to price Electric Vehicles (EVs) close to Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) cars. Our expectation is the government comes out with a clear policy roadmap and gives a statement the tax incentives will continue for next 8 to 10 years.

This will give confidence to customers to get into EVs and OEMs to invest more when it comes to electrification. OEMs like us would be interested in introducing new cars in the Indian market. There is also a pressing need for the State governments to continue commitment to EV adoption, continuing tax breaks and incentives that attract end consumers.

For charging infrastructure, the onus is on Charging Point Operators (CPOs) to set up the desired network to democratise chargers. Today, we find a lot of CPOs are not opening up their APIs so the customers need to download multiple apps to charge their cars.

Common CPO platform

To address this, the government can come with a common platform for all CPOs to list, so that customers have the ease of payment like UPI to transact when it comes to charging EVs.

Apart from this, there are a lot of good ideas the world over to make it toll free for electric cars, providing special parking facility in cities for EVs.

So, I think, no amount of incentives is less, because electrification needs a major push from the government.

Zero emissions

As India aggressively transitions towards carbon neutrality, the government’s role also becomes more pronounced. We believe the road towards creating a carbon-neutral ecosystem will come from zero emission, which can be delivered by electrification. OEMs, suppliers, vendors, policymakers and all other key stakeholders have to come together, work in close cooperation to ensure we create a robust, resilient and time-bound EV ecosystem.

At OEM level, the industry is ensuring we actively encourage EV adoption not just by introducing high-tech and desirable product offerings, but we also focus on easing the total cost of ownership.

This the OEMs are doing via offering long battery warranties, attractive residual value for EVs which are comparable with ICE vehicles and also extending service intervals to prolong any workshop visits.

Educating clients

The industry should continue to not only focus on introducing new products, but also spend time and resources for enhancing consumer-education initiatives across markets.

The actual acceleration of EV adoption can only happen when there is a strong demand from consumers for these technologies; but for that, we need concerted and coordinated efforts from OEMS, policymakers and customers.

When it comes to import duties, we have been in India for 30 years doing business based on the current taxation structure.

Continuity in taxation

Though lower taxes are always welcome, we also need to be pragmatic considering the current economic as well as political compulsions. So, we are realistic there, when it comes to tax cost. Hopefully, there are no increases as such in this Union Budget and there is continuity in taxation which should help us to do business as usual.

We expect the Indian auto industry to grow at 7% to 8% or maximum at 10% this year. The luxury car market size is 1 to 1.2% of the total industry and this segment should grow in double digit, may be slightly faster than the mass market passenger cars, because the base is low.

Strong market

Right now, if you look at the enablers; the stock market is at all-time high, the real estate sector is doing well, tax collections are at a record high.

So, we do not see any impediments to achieve the projected growth.

With the incoming festive season combined with the wedding season and the depreciation month of September [a lot of consumers buy cars in September to claim depreciation benefits), I think the market will remain strong in the balance part of the year as well.

(Santosh IyerisManaging Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India. As told to Lalatendu Mishra)

‘Food prices a worry but June inflation may not exceed 5%’

The Hindu Bureau

NEW DELHI

Economists see favourable base effects tempering pace of retail price gains , with the headline reading likely slowing to less than 4% over July and August; CPI data release is likely on Friday

Volatile and high food prices remain a concern, but base effects may temper the retail inflation pace in June and possibly even cool it below 4% over July and August, economists reckon.

Retail price rise touched a 12-month low of 4.75% in May, even though food inflation stayed stuck at 8.7% for a second straight month. The NSO will release June’s Consumer Price Index data on Friday.

The prolonged heatwave and a delayed start to the southwest monsoon likely pushed June’s inflation to 5%, said Radhika Rao, ED and senior economist at DBS Bank. Vegetable prices began to rise sharply as the month progressed, while telecom tariffs were raised, she said.

With the monsoon regaining ground this month, vegetable prices are expected to moderate, and base effects will also push July-August inflation to sub-4%, she estimated. Ms. Rao, however, expects no interest rate cuts this year in light of the RBI’s signal that they will look through base effect-driven swings and focus on sticky food prices.

In 2023, June inflation was 4.9% before it sped to 7.4% and 6.8% in July and August, respectively.

India Ratings sees inflation easing to 4.5% in June.

TCS net rose 8.7% to ₹12,040 cr. in Q1, buoyed by manufacturing

The Hindu Bureau

MUMBAI

K. Krithivasan

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. (TCS) on Thursday reported consolidated first-quarter net profit grew 8.7% to ₹12,040 crore, as a 9.4% expansion in the manufacturing vertical offset degrowth in several other businesses. Net margin for the quarter ending June 30 was 19.2%, India’s biggest IT services company by revenue said in a filing.

Revenue rose 5.4% to ₹62,613 crore, while operating margin, at 24.7%, saw an expansion of 1.5 percentage points year-on-year.

Net cash from operations at ₹11,168 crore was 92.8% of net profit, TCS said. The board approved a dividend of ₹10 per share.

“We are continuing to expand our client relationships, create new capabilities in emerging technologies and invest in innovation, including a new AI-focused TCS PacePor in France, IoT lab in the U.S. and expanding our delivery centers in Latin America, Canada and Europe,” CEO K. Krithivasan said in the statement.

“In spite of the usual impact of the annual wage increments in this quarter, we have delivered strong operating margin performance, validating our efforts towards operational excellence,” said CFO Samir Seksaria.

BFSI shrank 0.9% in constant currency, consumer business slid 0.3%.

Rethink tax on debt oriented MFs: AMFI

The Hindu Bureau

NEW DELHI

Stressing the need for a deep and vibrant bond market spur private investments, India’s apex mutual fund body urged the Finance Ministry to rethink the short-term capital gains tax introduced last year on debt-oriented mutual funds with equity exposure of up to 35%.

The Association of Mutual Funds in India has mooted amending 2023 Finance Act’s Section 50AA, to encourage retail investor participation in bond markets through such debt funds, by bringing them on par with the tax treatment for government securities. For those instruments, capital gains held for over three years are taxed at 10% without any indexation, with the holding period reduced to 12 months for listed debentures.

Before the introduction of section 50AA, such mutual fund schemes enjoyed the twin benefit of indexation and lower long-term capital gains tax rate, if held for more than 3 years. However, they are now considered as short-term capital assets irrespective of holding period.

Shibaura Machine targets higher exports, revenue

Shibaura Machine India Pvt. Ltd., which is into manufacturing of high-end plastics injection moulding machines, aims to double exports and increase revenue by almost four-fold in the next 5 years with the expansion of its existing facility in Chennai, said Managing Director M. Kumar. “Today, we inaugurated the unit two factory at Chembarambakkam. It is built at an investment of ₹225 crore, plus another ₹50 crore for land acquisition,” Mr. Kumar told mediapersons.

Edible-oil firm Gemini enters TN via Be-Rite brand

The Hindu Bureau

Gemini Edibles and Fats India Ltd. (GEF), an edible-oil firm, forayed into Tamil Nadu under Be-Rite brand in a bid to capture 10-15% market share in five years.

“It was a conscious decision to give a new brand name for our product in Tamil Nadu, instead of the existing brand Freedom,” Senior VP Sales & Marketing P. Chandra Shekhara Reddy told the media.

“It was a market-driven decision,” he said. GEF’s turnover stood at ‘₹9,000 crore plus in FY23-24.’

‘Joint group formed for reforms in E&P sector’

The Hindu Bureau

HYDERABAD

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said a joint working group (JWG) has been constituted to improve ease of doing business in the exploration and production (E&P) sector. The JWG consists of private exploration and production operators, national oil companies, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons. Mr. Puri said 37 approvals have been simplified into 18, with nine eligible for self-certification. He said the government recognises the need for further reforms.

Brookfield to invest $200 mn in Leap Green Energy stake

Canadian asset management firm Brookfield on Thursday announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Tamil Nadu-based Leap Green Energy with an upfront investment of more than $200 million and an option to infuse $350 million more in the future. “Brookfield and Leap Green recently entered into definitive strategic investment agreements pursuant to which Brookfield has acquired a majority controlling stake in the company,” the firm said. pti

RBI allows resident Indians to open FCAs in GIFT City IFSC

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in a notification issued on Wednesday, allowed resident individuals to open Foreign Currency Accounts (FCAs) in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City in Gujarat under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). “Authorised persons [those permitted by RBI to provide forex services] shall bring the contents of this circular to the notice of their constituents and customers,” the banking regulator added.

Foreign

- Lerma heads Colombia into a Copa final after 23 years

- NATO boosts Asia ties in face of China; Zelensky attends

- Israel military declares end to operation in Gaza’s north

- Clooney, Democrats pile pressure on Biden

- India to tour Sri Lanka later this month for three ODIs and T20Is

- Over 44,000 Afghans in Pakistan awaiting U.S., foreign resettlement

- Blaze breaks out in spire of Rouen medieval cathedral in France

- Myanmar junta ‘trying to destroy country’: UN special rapporteur

- France’s Left leaders blast Macron, demand Prime Minister’s post

- NATO starts sending F-16 jets to support Ukraine

Lerma heads Colombia into a Copa final after 23 years

Reuters

Charlotte

On a high! Colombia’s Lerma rises majestically to slot in the lone goal of the second semifinal.AP

Colombia beat Uruguay 1-0 in its Copa America semifinal on Wednesday despite playing the second half with only 10 men as Jefferson Lerma’s first-half header set up a title decider against defending champion Argentina. Colombia’s only triumph had come in 2001 when it played host.

Colombia’s Daniel Munoz was sent off at the end of the first half and while Uruguay dominated possession, it could not make the man-advantage count with Darwin Nunez missing three good opportunities to score early on.

The Liverpool forward had a great chance in the box in the 17th minute but curled his effort inches wide before a scuffed shot and another curling strike failed to find the target as he sat on his haunches wondering how he had missed.

Uruguay was made to pay for those missed chances when Lerma rose above the defence at a corner and squeezed his header past goalkeeper Sergio Rochet as James Rodriguez claimed his sixth assist of the tournament.

Munoz ejected

Colombia was then reduced to 10 men when right back Munoz received a second yellow card for elbowing Manuel Ugarte in the chest when play was stopped.

With Uruguay dominating possession in the second half, Bielsa threw on Luis Suarez in the 67th minute and the veteran striker nearly scored moments later, the 37-year-old’s shot hitting the post as he sank to his knees in frustration.

Colombia had a golden opportunity to seal the win in the 88th minute when it won the ball back in Uruguay’s box but Mateus Uribe sent his low shot wide. He saw another one deflect off the keeper and cannon off the crossbar in added time.

Colombia, which extended its unbeaten run to 28 games, held on for a famous win and will play Argentina in Sunday’s final. Uruguay will play Canada a day earlier in the third-place playoff.

The result: Colombia 1 (Lerma 39) bt Uruguay 0.

China is a ‘decisive enabler’ of Russia’s war, says NATO

Agence France-Presse

Washington

Beijing says ‘NATO hyping up China’s responsibility on the Ukraine issue is unreasonable and has sinister motives’; the U.S. says it will start deployment of long-range missiles in Germany from 2026

U.S. President Joe Biden, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and others attend a meeting in Washington on Thursday. REUTERSLEAH MILLIS

NATO leaders on Thursday looked to bolster ties with Asian partners after slamming China as a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s war, before holding talks with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the end of a summit in Washington. The 32-nation alliance has used the pomp-filled set piece in the U.S. capital to showcase its resolve against Moscow and backing for Kyiv.

After spending the bulk of the summit focused on bolstering Ukraine, NATO shifted attention eastwards by welcoming the leaders of Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.

A declaration from NATO released on Wednesday called Beijing a “decisive enabler of Russia’s war against Ukraine” through its supplies of dual-use goods such as microchips that can help Moscow’s military. China “cannot enable the largest war in Europe in recent history without this negatively impacting its interests and reputation,” it said.

Beijing hit back by warning NATO to “stop hyping up the so-called China threat and provoking confrontation and rivalry”.

China presents itself as a neutral party in the conflict, but it has however offered a critical lifeline to Russia’s isolated economy, with trade booming since the conflict began.

After the sit-down, Ukraine’s Mr. Zelenskyy will take centre stage at the giant convention centre in the heart of the U.S. capital.

The U.S. announced it would begin “episodic deployments” of long-range missiles to Germany in 2026. The White House said it would eventually look to permanently station them in Germany, and the missiles would “have significantly longer range” than current U.S. systems in Europe.

‘Bringing chaos to Asia’

China accused NATO of seeking security at the expense of others and told the alliance not to bring the same “chaos” to Asia.

“NATO hyping up China’s responsibility on the Ukraine issue is unreasonable and has sinister motives,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said. He said China has a fair and objective stance on the Ukraine issue.

Israel military declares end to operation in Gaza’s north

Agence France-Presse

Gaza City

A Palestinian woman rides a bicycle past the rubble of destroyed buildings in east of Gaza city on Thursday. AFPOMAR AL-QATTAA

Israeli air strikes pounded parts of Gaza’s biggest city on Thursday, Hamas said, after Israel’s military declared an end to its operation in an eastern district that saw Gaza City’s heaviest combat in months.

The upsurge in fighting, bombardment and displacement followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement in June that “the war in its intense phase is about to end”. It also came as talks were held in the Gulf Emirate of Qatar towards a truce and hostage release deal after more than nine months of war.

Gaza’s ruling Hamas Islamists said troops had pulled back from Gaza City’s eastern district of Shujaiya leaving behind “more than 300 residential units and more than 100 businesses destroyed”.

Witnesses said tanks and troops had moved into other Gaza City areas, and clashes between Israeli forces and militants were occurring. Hamas on Thursday reported 45 air strikes in the Gaza City area, and in Rafah.

The Health Ministry said six bodies had been recovered after the pullback of Israeli troops from Shujaiya.

On Wednesday, the Army dropped leaflets warning “everyone in Gaza City” that the area would “remain a dangerous combat zone”. The leaflets urged residents to flee, and set out designated escape routes from the area where UN humanitarian agency OCHA said up to 350,000 people were staying.

Clooney, Democrats pile pressure on Biden

Agence France-Presse

Washington

George Clooney. APEvan Agostini

A Democratic Senator on Wednesday called on U.S. President Joe Biden to ditch his reelection bid, capping a brutal day that saw mounting pressure from actor and donor George Clooney and party heavyweight Nancy Pelosi.

As the 81-year-old tried to show his leadership credentials at a NATO summit in Washington, calls have been growing for Mr. Biden to quit following his disastrous debate performance against Republican challenger Donald Trump.

At least eight House Democrats have openly called on Mr. Biden not to seek reelection, but Peter Welch became the first in the Senate to explicitly do so as concerns rise over his age and fitness.

“For the good of the country, I’m calling on President Biden to withdraw from the race,” the Vermont Senator said in an opinion piece in the Washington Post.

News outlet Axios reported on Wednesday that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had also privately signalled to donors that he was open to replacing Mr. Biden on the Democratic ticket.

However, in a statement, Mr. Schumer said “I support President Biden and remain committed to ensuring Donald Trump is defeated in November.”

Hollywood star Mr. Clooney penned a devastating editorial in the New York Times on Wednesday just three weeks after co-hosting a huge fundraiser in Los Angeles that raised nearly $30 million for Mr. Biden. “It’s devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fundraiser was not the Joe Biden of 2010,” he wrote. “He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate.”

He said that Mr. Biden would lose the presidential election, and Democrats would also lose both chambers of Congress.

In response to Mr. Clooney’s editorial, the Biden campaign pointed to the President’s statements on Monday saying he was committed to running again in November.

India to tour Sri Lanka later this month for three ODIs and T20Is

Press Trust of India

NEW DELHI

India will play three T20Is and as many ODIs during its tour of Sri Lanka during July and August, and the matches will be played at Pallekele and Colombo, the BCCI announced on Thursday.

The our will kick off with the T20Is (July 26, 27, 29) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium and the series will then move to Colombo where the one-dayers (August 1, 4, 7) will be played at the R. Premadasa International Stadium.

India will be manned by newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, while the Lankans will also have a new coach in Sanath Jayasuriya.

Hasaranga quits

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, which was ousted in the group stages of the T20 World Cup, will have a new skipper after Wanindu Hasaranga stepped down from his post on Thursday.

This will be India’s first white-ball bilateral trip to the island nation since 2021. The tourists had won both the T20I and ODI series on that occasion.

The schedule: T20Is: July 26, 27 & 29 (Pallekele); ODIs: August 1, 4 & 7 (Colombo).

About 44,000 Afghans in Pakistan awaiting resettlement in the West

ANI

At least 44,000 Afghans approved for relocation to Western nations following the Taliban’s return to power are still waiting in limbo in Pakistan, Islamabad said on Thursday.Pakistani Foreign Office Spokeswoman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch (in picture) said there were 25,000 Afghans approved for relocation to the U.S. AFP

Blaze breaks out in spire of Rouen medieval cathedral in France

AFPPATRICK STREIFF

A fire broke out Thursday in the spire of the medieval cathedral in the French city of Rouen, but authorities said it was under control about 90 minutes later. Witnesses described smoke emanating from the spire and recalled a devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris that toppled its spire and collapsed its roof. AP

Myanmar junta ‘trying to destroy country’: UN special rapporteur

REUTERSCHALINEE THIRASUPA

Myanmar’s junta appears to be “trying to destroy a country it cannot control”, the UN special rapporteur warned on Thursday. “The junta is on its heels, it’s losing troops, it’s losing military facilities, it is literally losing ground,” UN special rapporteur Tom Andrews said during a briefing. AFP

France’s Left leaders blast Macron, demand Prime Minister’s post

APMichel Euler

French Left-wingers attacked President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday after he called for a broad coalition government, demanding that their movement alone should propose a Prime Minister. Socialist Party chief Olivier Faure accused Mr. Macron of failing to “respect the vote of the French people”. AFP

NATO starts sending F-16 jets to support Ukraine

Agence France-Presse

Washington

NATO allies on Wednesday announced they had started transferring F-16 jets to Ukraine while stepping up promises to Kyiv on eventual membership in the alliance, at a 75th anniversary summit clouded by political uncertainties in the United States.

U.S. President Joe Biden individually welcomed the other 31 leaders of the alliance before urging them to keep pace with Russia’s military production.

“We can – and will – defend every inch of NATO territory and we’ll do it together,” Mr. Biden told the North Atlantic Council.

Mr. Biden announced that Denmark and the Netherlands had begun sending U.S.-made F-16 jets to Ukraine – making good on a key promise last year to Kyiv, which has struggled to gain parity in the air with Russia.

Science

- Weight loss is among the ‘best routes to diabetes remission’

- Zika virus: the need to improve surveillance and vector control

- Blind gamer puts ChatGPT to the test

Vijay Viswanathan, Reshma Mirshad

Advancements in hypoglycemic drugs, lifestyle management through bariatric surgery, reduced caloric food intake, use of intestinal hormones, and drugs to reduce body weight have paved the way for the possibility of remission of diabetes. Successful remission would relieve healthcare systems

1 of 2 Diabetes remission requires continuous monitoring, as remission is just a state where diabetes is not currently present, but the risk of recurrence remains high. Getty Images FatCamera

2 of 2 About 46% of type 2 diabetes patients (diabetes for less than 6 years and not on insulin) reached remission in 12 months with a weight management program

Several organisations across the world have accepted the term ‘Remission of Diabetes’. We now know that diabetes is a vascular disease requiring lifelong management. Most of us are also aware that the cost of treating diabetes is escalating, and hence society can no longer afford to overlook the pandemic of this lifestyle disease. Therefore, understanding T2DM (type 2 diabetes mellitus) remission becomes more of a priority.

Advancements in hypoglycemic drugs, lifestyle management through bariatric surgery, reduced caloric food intake, use of intestinal hormones, and drugs to reduce body weight have paved the way for the possibility of remission of diabetes. There is no doubt that successful diabetes remission of T2DM would relieve healthcare systems and ease the increasingly unsustainable socio-economic burden.

Understanding diabetes remission

The major pathological causes of diabetes are insulin resistance in skeletal muscles, liver, and pancreas caused by defective glucose transporters or beta cell dysfunction due to oxidative stress and high fatty acid content. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes remission refers to the reduction or normalisation of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c of under 6.5%) for at least 3 months after cessation of any glucose-lowering drugs. Diabetes remission is not to be considered a cure for the disease; it just means the disease is not actively progressing.

Hence, patients in the remission phase no longer show symptoms or require medications.

Key strategies for remission

One of the most effective methods for achieving diabetes remission is weight loss. The diabetes remission clinical trial (DiRECT) study showed that about 46% of type 2 diabetes patients (with diabetes for less than 6 years and not on insulin) reached remission in 12 months with a structured weight management programme. People with diabetes who achieved a weight loss reduction of over 10 to 15 kg showed diabetes remission. People with diabetes for more than 10 years are less likely to achieve remission. The findings of a meta-analysis revealed that T2DM patients with a BMI less than 35 kg/m 2 , benefited from bariatric surgery to achieve better remission and good glycaemic control. The rate of diabetes remission in patients who have undergone barbaric surgery is 56.6%.

The other key factor is lifestyle intervention. Dietary changes such as low-calorie and low-carbohydrate diets showed effective weight loss, leading to diabetes remission, by reducing the fat in the liver and pancreas. A weight loss of up to 12 kg in 2 years was reported in a non-randomised study.

There are, of course, plenty of medical interventions. The latest hypoglycemic drugs not only manage glycaemic control but also help in weight reduction. REMIT-sita (sitagliptin, metformin, and glargine) and REMIT-dapa (dapagliflozin, metformin, and glargine) studies showed greater efficacy in diabetes remission in patients with a short duration of diabetes, HbA1c under 7.5, and in the absence of comorbidities or diabetic complications. Drugs like GLP1-RA and tirzepatide (a dual agonist of GLP1 and GIP) help in 10-15% weight reduction and are efficient in diabetes remission.

Let’s remember that diabetes remission requires continuous monitoring, as remission is just a state where diabetes is not currently present, but the risk of recurrence remains high. Diabetes can recur when weight is gained or due to stress or the decline in beta cell function and drugs that promote high blood sugar, like glucocorticoids and certain antipsychotic agents. Testing of HbA1c or another measure of glycaemic control should be performed annually.

A new paradigm in diabetes care

The role of healthcare providers is to develop personalised care depending on the patient’s health status, preferences, and goals. Educating the patients on the importance of lifestyle changes like calorie restriction and physical activity to attain weight loss. Regular monitoring of the blood glucose, weight, and any other necessary parameters. Depending on the reports, the medication should be adjusted.

Diabetes remission, or, is the latest revolution in diabetes care as its focus shifts from merely managing diabetes to strategies to eliminate the need for medication. Knowledge of remission can motivate patients to follow lifestyle modifications strictly. Therefore, a gradual dip in the burden of diabetes-related complications can be achieved. The importance of preventive care and early intervention can ultimately reduce healthcare costs and improve individual health outcomes.

Conclusion

In the future, type 2 diabetes management is likely to involve a step-wise approach towards remission of diabetes based on the patient’s metabolic profile.

The concept of diabetes remission is a game-changer in the fight against type 2 diabetes.

While it requires commitment and significant lifestyle changes, the benefits of achieving remission are profound, offering a path to improved health and quality of life.

Combination therapy, including possibly multi-drug therapy, rather than monotherapy, will be the key feature of successful remission.

Remission will be seen as the primary aim, especially for prediabetes and newly-diagnosed T2DM patients, who are the two groups most likely to go into long-term remission with the least effort. Many long-term trials are required to continue this evolution.

Patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers must embrace and support these transformative approaches to diabetes care.

(Dr. Vijay Viswanathan is president-elect of the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India, the largest organisation of diabetes care professionals in the world, and Dr. Reshma is a medical associate, M V Hospital for Diabetes & Prof. M Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre, Chennai. drvijay@mvdiabetes.com.)

Zika virus: the need to improve surveillance and vector control

Zubeda Hamid

Mosquitoes carry dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika. AP Rick Bowmer

The Zika virus is making the news once again. At least 15 cases, including eight pregnant women, of Zika have been discovered so far in Pune, Maharashtra. In Karnataka, a 74-year-old who had Zika has died. State Health Department officials say the death was caused by other factors. Another suspected case in Karnataka is being investigated as well.

The Pune Municipal Corporation has said it has stepped up surveillance; the Karnataka Health Department has released guidelines on the virus for the public, and both States have urged members of the public to ensure there are no mosquito-breeding sites at their homes.

Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory to States to be vigilant; screen pregnant women, and strengthen entomological surveillance and intensify vector-control activities.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has asked States not only to increase testing for Zika but also to test patients with chikungunya and dengue-like symptoms who test negative for these infections for Zika, as per a news report.

As the monsoon continues over large parts of the country, creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and with cases of dengue spiking as well, State administrations and members of the public need to step up mosquito-control measures to prevent transmission of diseases.

Here’s a quick FAQ on Zika:

What is Zika virus?

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus first identified in Uganda in 1947 in a Rhesus macaque monkey, followed by evidence of infection and disease in humans in other African countries in the 1950s. Zika virus occurs through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti, which also transmits dengue and chikungunya. The Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day. Sexual transmission, transmission from mother to foetus and transfusions of blood and blood products are other routes of transmission.

How it manifests?

Most people infected with the Zika virus do not develop symptoms, the WHO says. Among those who do, they typically start 3–14 days after infection and are generally mild, including rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, and headache, which usually last for 2–7 days.

How is it diagnosed?

Zika virus may be suspected based on symptoms or the fact that the person is living in or visiting areas where Zika transmission has occurred. A diagnosis can only be given after a laboratory test. A recent report in The Hindupointed to gaps in the tracking and surveillance of the virus, highlighting the fact that in March 2023, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), India’s apex agency for diagnostic approvals, confirmed that there was no approved diagnostic test for Zika. This limitation, the report said, hinders the country’s ability to diagnose Zika. At present, samples are generally sent to a few select labs, including the National Institute of Virology, for confirmation. The NIV, a media report indicates, is flooded with samples, leading to delays in the issuing of reports.

What are the ill effects?

Zika virus infection during pregnancy, the WHO says, can cause infants to be born with microcephaly and other congenital malformations and can also cause preterm births and miscarriage. Microcephaly is a condition in which an infant’s head is smaller than what is typical for their age and can be caused by the brain not developing properly. An estimated 5–15% of infants born to women infected with Zika virus during pregnancy have evidence of Zika-related complications, as per the WHO. Zika virus infection is also associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy, and myelitis in adults and children. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare condition that causes a person’s immune system attacks the peripheral nerves.

Is there a vaccine?

No vaccine is as yet available for the prevention or treatment of Zika virus infection, the WHO says. The development of a Zika vaccine remains an active area of research.

A few studies have shown promising results. In India for instance, several companies are attempting to make a vaccine. In a study published in 2017, Bharat Biotech’s “killed Zika virus vaccine” which uses an African strain showed 100% efficacy against mortality and disease in animal studies. Indian Immunologicals Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board said earlier this year that it was also working on developing a vaccine.

(zubeda.h@thehindu.co.in)

Blind gamer puts ChatGPT to the test

Agence France Presse

Masahiro Fujimoto using ChatGPT for directions in Kawasaki, south of Tokyo. AFP RICHARD A. BROOKS

Japanese eSports gamer Mashiro is blind and often relies on a companion to get around Tokyo -- but he hopes that artificial intelligence, hailed as a promising tool for people with disabilities, can help him travel alone. The 26-year-old ‘Street Fighter’ player put the latest version of AI chatbot ChatGPT to the test on his way to a stadium for a recent Para eSports meet-up.

“I can’t participate in an event like this without someone to rely on,” he said. “Also, sometimes I just want to get around by myself without speaking to other people. “So if I can use technology like ChatGPT to design my own special needs support, that would be great.”

This year, the US firm OpenAI, released GPT-4o, which understands voice, text and image commands in several languages. The generative gadget, along with others such as Google’s Gemini, is part of a fast-growing field that experts say could make education, employment and everyday services more accessible.

Following the streets’ tactile paving, Masahiro Fujimoto — who goes by his online handle Mashiro — used his stick adorned with a small monkey mascot to find his way from the station. As he went, he spoke to GPT-4o like a friend, receiving its answers through an earpiece in one ear, leaving the other side free to listen out for cars.

Having asked for basic directions, he added: “In fact, I am blind, so could you give me further details for blind people?”

“Of course,” the bot replied. “You might notice an increase in crowd noise and the sound of activities as you get closer.” The journey, 20 minutes for sighted people, took Mashiro around four times as long with several U-turns. When it started to rain heavily, he requested help from his friend, who is partially sighted, to finish the journey.

“Arrival!” finally shouted Mashiro, who has microphthalmos and has been blind since birth, using only sound to demolish his opponents on ‘Street Fighter 6’.

AI can cater to specific needs better than “one-size-fits-all” assistive products and technologies, said Youngjun Cho, an associate professor in computer science at University College London (UCL).

“Its potential is enormous,” said Cho, who also works at UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub. “I envisage that this can empower many individuals and promote independence.”

People with hearing loss can, for example, use AI speech-to-text transcription, while chatbots can help format a resume for someone with learning disabilities.

Some tools for visually impaired people, such as Seeing AI, Envision AI and TapTapSee, describe phone camera images.

Danish app Be My Eyes, where real-life volunteers help via live chat, is working with OpenAI to develop a “digital visual assistant”.

But Masahide Ishiki, a Japanese expert in disability and digital accessibility, warned it can be “tricky” to catch mistakes from ChatGPT, which “replies so naturally”.

“The next objectiveis to improve the accuracy of real-time visual recognition, to ultimately reach capabilities close to that of an eye,” said Ishiki, who is blind.

FR

- Shankar and the sitar

- Scoring as a team

- Aesthetic visiontalking

- Chords, notes and rhythm

- Two-day YJF fest

- Verses and voices

- Breaking the illusion

- Celebrating a legend

- The making of a choir

- In guru’s footsteps

S B Vijaya Mary

Anoushka Shankar on the making of a trilogy album, global collaborations and living up to her father’s legacy

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Anoushka Shankar has impacted the world of music with a style of her own and engages with the art in a way she likes to. Daughter of the trailblazing sitarist Pt. Ravi Shankar, Anoushka’s ability to blend Indian classical music with genres such as jazz, electronica, pop and western classical has contributed to her evolution as a musician.

Anoushka’s latest project — a trilogy album — exemplifies this. The first two instalments of her mini-album comprise Chapter I: Forever, For Now, released in October last year, followed by Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn in April.

During avideo call from London, Anoushka delves into the intricacies of her creative process, collaborative experiences, and her musical legacy.

Excerpts from the interview:

Question: What inspired the trilogy?

Answer: The chapters depict a musical journey split into distinct parts. Chapter One evokes a sunlit garden with melodies, and the evening raag Madhumati, while Chapter Two is about the night and healing through ambient textures. The upcoming Chapter Three promises a culmination with themes of strength and joy.

Q: Do situations lead to music or music is created to define a situation?

A: When I’m alone and writing, strong emotions — whether personal or from external events— drive my creativity. It could be anything from anger to heartbreak. These emotions find their way into my music. Additionally, collaborating with others is an inspiration too. The connection between musicians allows ideas to flow, creating something larger than I could have achieved alone, which is one of my favourite experiences.

Q: How challenging is it for instrumentalists to make their music interpretative?

A: I choose to work with vocalists when specificity feels important for that piece of music. When I was going through heartbreak, not long ago, the songs I was writing felt important to me. So, they were songs with vocalists and lyrics, and it felt like that needed to be clear. Sometimes, instrumentalists have a challenge, but that could be beneficial too. Someone listening to a song might be listening to another person’s storytelling. They identify (with it) if they’re going through or have gone through a similar situation. Otherwise, they’re listening to the song of someone else telling their story. Whereas with melody, it doesn’t matter why I’m sad or you’re sad; if you feel sadness in this music, it will help you. Music transcends emotions and binds us; it could be a source of comfort even without vocals. Sometimes, vocals could be a hindrance.

Q: As a global musician, how does your approach change when you perform in India?

A: My band and my compositions remain consistentwherever I perform. I don’t mean we play the same thing every night, but I mean the music is what it is. I don’t change it for India specifically. But emotionally, there’s always a sense of rootedness and musical homecoming. I feel a sense of gratitude when I perform in India.

Q: Given your legendary father’s influence, did you always wanted to become a musician?

A: No, I wasn’t one of those rare people who had total clarity from an early age. I was free to explore various interests, although I was deeply immersed in a vibrant musical environment. This balance allowed me to shape my journey in music in unique ways. Around the age of 18, I faced the choice between university and music. I had been touring and performing since I was 13, and I decided to follow my passion for music. That was the fork in the road where I knew I was doing something I loved and was lucky to be doing it already.

Q: You have dealt with traumatic experiences; how do you source the strength to move on?

A: Every time you go through something and survive it, you gain more faith that you can handle the next challenge. Experience is proof of our inner strength. When I don’t have that lived experience, I lean on the people who have gone through things I haven’t. I am very connected with people, whether they’re family or friends.

Q: Does having a multicultural background provide an advantage to an artiste?

A: Nowadays, with global accessibility, we’re all influenced by multiple cultures to some extent. However, in the 1990s and early 2000s, my experience of interacting with diverse cultures helped. It taught me to adapt, communicate respectfully, and navigate different environments. This ability was crucial for travelling and sharing my art worldwide. Creatively, too, it’s been enriching because it allows for a more authentic exploration of artistic influences. A multicultural background can be advantageous, especially in how it shapes and informs an artiste’s work and interactions.

Q: What have your collaborations taught you?

A: For me, successful collaborations are built on respect and humility. It is important to approach each collaborator with a deep appreciation for their traditions and styles, viewing them as equal contributors to the creative process. This means setting aside any sense of superiority and managing ego. I’ve learned that the best collaborations thrive when personal agendas take a back seat to what serves the collective creation best.

Q: Do you envision your sons performing or being inclined towards the sitar?

A: I would be surprised if that happened. They’re both musical and artistic, but they’re not into sitar. That’s fine. I had decided early on I would rather be their guru or mom, and I don’t think I can do both effectively. So, I’m their mom.

Q: Are they aware of the family legacy?

A: Yes, to an extent. I am happy that their lives are not heavily influenced by it every day. Sometimes, when they visit India, they are surprised by the legacy’s visibility there. They know about their grandfather’s (Pt. Ravi Shankar) music and contributions, and they are proud of it and supportive of my musical journey, even though it is not a central part of their daily lives.

Q: Is there a parallel between the role you play for your sons now and the role your mother played during your growing up years?

A: Yes, very much so. I parent more like my mother than my father because I’m their parent rather than a distant figure. So, there are a lot of parallels, though each generation brings its own differences.

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V.V. Ramani

Every aspect of a natya nadagam was handled with finesse in ‘Ekadasa Vishnum’

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2 of 2 Well-curated ‘Ekadasa Vishnum’. Photos: M. SRINATH SRINATH M

It is an annual ritual for Asha Krishnakumar. Year after year, she chooses a Vaishnavite theme and after extensive research translates it into a full-fledged multimedia natya nadakam. Choosing 11 Vishnu temples referred to as Tirunangur Divya Desams, which form a part of the 108 Divya Desams, she recently presented ‘Ekadasa Vishnum’ under the banner of her Darshanam Art Creations at Narada Gana Sabha.

Conceptualised and curated by Asha, the grand spectacle was visualised by Sheela Unnikrishnan along with the students of her Sridevi Nrityalaya. Music was by Rajkumar Bharathi, soundscape by Sai Shravanam, lighting by Murugan and creative LED display by Chella videos. Malola Kannan did the narration and chanting while Chitra Madhavan, Rangan Bhattar, Vedharajan and Damal Ramakrishnan were the script consultants. Shanmugam was the man behind the beautiful temple sets.

The 11 temples were dividedinto small groups, highlighting their association to legends of Rama, Krishna, Thayar, Perumal, Varadar and Srinivasa.

A tandavam performed by Shiva and 11 Rudras (emerging from the follicles of his hair) in the opening sequence portrayed the fiery form of Shiva with dramatic effect. The early life of king Tirumangai Mannan and his transformation to Thirumangai Azhwar formed the introductory narrative, after which the production travelled through the Kshetras with Azhwar and his wife Kumudavalli Nachiyar.

Engaging narrative

The pride of the ruler while feeding thousand devotees each day, the dilemma he faces when his treasury becomes empty, the wily ways of a dacoit, and the king’s transformation to a sublime state of surrender when he meets Perumal came across with clarity in the way the scene was choreographed and performed.

It was truly commendable that Sheela sustained the interestthroughout, weaving a riveting presentation despite limited information available on the sthala puranas of the temples. Stories or incidents pertaining to the deities relating to each segment of the production such as Govardhana Giri, Varaha Avataram, Rama Ravana Yudham and Sempon Sei were introduced with brevity.

Working with more than 70 dancers is no easy task, Sheela not only managed it with aplomb but also remembered all the names when she introduced them during the curtain call. This commitment reflected in every segment as entries, exits, synchrony of movements, and apt expressions flowed seamlessly.

The swift change in scenes and costumeswas appreciable. Video projections between each scene introduced the audience to the architecture and history of the temples, which helped them in understanding the narration.

The music, a blend of Carnatic and Hindustani ragas, had popular compositions such as ‘Sri Lakshmi Varaham’ and ‘Varadharajam Upasmahe’ fitted appropriately into it. The chanting at regular intervals enhanced the whole experience, creating an aura of spirituality.

The final sequence was undoubtedly the highlight of ‘Ekadasa Vishnum’.

It featured the Garuda Seva utsavam of Tirunangur, where all the 11 forms of Vishnu come together. Beginning with a beautiful depiction of Hamsa Vahana on which Azhwar and Nachiyar arrived, the introduction of each form of Vishnu and Garuda in a well-choreographed sequence, using a combination of twos and threes, was captivating. The finale, which had all the 11 dancing together, left the audience awe-struck.

Artistic vision

Manjari Sinha

‘Nayanam’ showed how perfect eye movements and expressions can elevate a performance

Drishti bheda Apeksha Niranjan Photo: Special Arrangement Special Arrangement

The famous Sanskrit shloka ‘Yato hasto tato drishtih, Yato drishtih tato manah/ Yato manstato bhavo, yato bhavo tatah rasah’ from the treatise Abhinaya Darpana means, ‘Where the hands go, the eyes should follow, Where the eyes go, the mind should follow, Where the mind goes, the emotion or rasa is generated.’

‘Nayanam’, the solo Bharatanatyam recital by Apeksha Niranjan presented at the Stein auditorium of the Habitat Centre in Delhi recently, conveyed the essence of this shloka as she expressed various bhavas through her eyes.

A disciple of senior Bharatanatyam dancer and teacher Sucheta Chapekar and Alka Lajmi, Apeksha, who is also a Marathi actor, is the founder-director of Nrityanjali Performing Arts. Her expressive face, seamless movements and sculpturesque stances lent to the appeal of her performance.

Thematic margam

The core of ‘Nayanam’, her theme-based recital, was that the entire Bharatanatyam margam is based on ‘nayan’ (eyes), right from the opening Alarippu that invoked the trinayan Shambho (Shiva with three eyes), jagat janani Meenakshi (the goddess with fish-like eyes), and kamal nayan (one whose eyes are like the lotus) Padmanabha. This was set to Misra Chapu tala and was choreographed by Apeksha herself.

‘Krishna Kavuthuvam’ followed. It was based on the Marathi song ‘Mi Krishna pahila’ and described how the gopis were besotted by Krishna’s beautiful eyes. This was choreographed by Sucheta Chapekar.

Varnam, the central piece of the recital, was based on the Soundarya Lahari verse ‘Shiveshringarardhra’, where Apeksha displayed the emotions that reflected in the eyes of Parvati, such as the Shringara bhava when she looks at Shiva, anger when she sees Ganga sitting in Shiva’s matted locks, fear when she is scared of the snakes around Shiva’s neck and finally praying for Karuna or compassion (‘Dehi mayi janani drishtih sakaruna’). Choreographed by Apeksha, it was composed by Smita Mahajan in Ragamalika with jatis by Venkatesh. The main raga Bihag led to different ragas such as Malkauns, Kalawati and Hindol according to the changing emotions.

Erasing geographical and cultural borders, Apeksha, who earlier had incorporated Gregorian chants (sung in Roman Catholic churches in Europe) into her Bharatanatyam recital, included Polish folk music that evening in her performance. The song from Lubiena was sung on a lilting rhythmic gait, similar to Dadra taal of Hindustani music. Composed by Odmienciese Kapela group of Polish folk musicians, the song was about the ritual of stealing the bridegroom’s shoes like it happens in North Indian weddings.

This was followed by a vatsalya padam where Apeksha depicted the feelings of a young mother searching for her child, whom she had scolded for his naughty behaviour. Composed by Smita Mahajan, it was choreographed by Alka Lajmi.

The Surdas pad ‘Ankhiyaan hari darshan ki pyasi’ composed in raag Shiv-Ranjani was about the inner eyes (antar chakshu) of the visually impaired poet, who is still able to see his ishta dev, the lotus-eyed Krishna. Apeksha concluded with a tillana in raag Yaman, where the dancer’s eyes reflected the mudit (happy), chakit (amazed) nayan of Devi, asking the goddess to bestow her kripa drishti on the dancer and the audience.

Chords, notes and rhythm

P. Srihari

When Annamacharya’s compositions became the binding thread for a musical ensemble

1 of 2 Confluence The Guru Vandanam choir performing at Narada Gana Sabha. Photo: R. Ragu R. Ragu

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Conducting a large-scale Carnatic music choir is generally an energy-sapping exercise with disproportionately meagre returns in terms of melodic aesthetics. But not when you have someone as accomplished and inspiring as Avasarala Kanyakumari at the helm.

So, it was an enchanting evening as Team Mohana Dubai recently organised ‘Guru Vandanam 2024’ — a tribute to the violin exponent, who was also the chief mentor of the ensemble — at the Narada Gana Sabha Hall under the auspices of Brahma Vidya Trust. Over 80 vocalists and seven instrumentalists came together to perform 10 select compositions of Saint Annamacharya, set to music by Kanyakumari, and Ragamalika thillana named ‘TriShakti’, created by her.

Kanyakumari is on the verge of completing 60 years of her journey as a performing violinist, and her rich vein of experience was all too evident as the 10 kirtanas, tuned in mellifluous ragas and set to simple talas, were performed. Not just the melodic aspect of the songs, but the lilting interlude patterns too showed what a fine amalgam of precision, finesse and versatility she is.

Annamacharya (1408-1503), a philosopher and composer-singer hailed from Tallapaka, near Tirupati. A prominent disciple of Srimath Adivan Satakopa Yatheendra Mahadesikan, the first Jeeyar of Sri Ahobila Math, Annamacharya conveyed intricate and rich philosophical ideas through songs written in lucid Telugu and Sanskrit, numbering a mammoth 32,000.

The songs presented on the day were ‘Ambujaksha namo’ (Nagaswaravali-Khanda Chapu), ‘Evvari vaado’ (Behag-Khanda Chapu), ‘Papamu punyamu paraga’ (Sivaranjani-Adi), ‘Pondhaku athma’ (Bagesri-Adi), ‘Ithara dharmamulandhu’ (Mohana Kalyani-Khanda Chapu), ‘Analamu suryudu’ (Surya-Adi), ‘Nerupari innitanu’ (Tilang-Eka), ‘Innallu nandhu nindhu’ (Shanmukhapriya-Adi), ‘Machika prapanchapu’ (Vasanthi-Adi) and ‘Vennnalu selavi’ (Chakravakam-Eka), followed by the tillana.

A word about the concept of ‘TriShakti’ as reasoned by Kanyakumari. Kannada, Vasanthi and Shivashakti, the three ragas featuring in the tillana, denote herself, her guru MLV and paramaguru GNB, who created the last-named raga. To draw from a musical parlance, either arohana or avarohana order may be adopted, according to tradition, when offering salutations to one’s lineage of gurus and she chose the former.

The ensemble was led by several music teachers of repute. Ramashree Alladi’s articulate presentation of the meaning before each song was a value addition. However, instruments taking turns to playing in the background during the narrative not only proved a distraction but also compromised audibility.

Team Mohana was founded in 2009 to encourage young talent in classical music. “My grandfather Kothamangalam Subbu was the author of the classic Tamil novel and film Tillana Mohanambal and the organisation draws its name from it as also from the beautiful raga Mohanam,” said Anand V. Subramanian, a founding member.

Tallapaka Meenalochani, belonging to the Annnamacharya lineage, was a special invitee at the event.

Two-day YJF fest

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Sri Krishna Gana Sabha presents the 18th edition of the Yagnaraman July Fest (YJF), started in memory of the sabha’s founder-secretary, R. Yagnaraman. The two-day festival will begin on July 13 (6.30 p.m.) with Friends in Harmony concert by childhood friends and singers Saindhavi, Gowtham Bharadwaj and Haricharan. Saindhavi and Haricharan are trained Carnatic musicians and well-known playback singers. Gowtham Bharadwaj is a playback singer and the lead vocalist of the Chennai-based band, Staccato. On July 14 (6.30 p.m.), Aayana Dance Company, based in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, presents its productions, ‘Dhruva’ and ‘Yellige’. Their movement vocabulary is a blend of the classical and contemporary. Tickets on www.tikkl.com

Verses and

Kalyan Gopalan

Maestro Ilaiyaraaja lends a distinct touch to the pasurams in his latest album

1 of 2 Master’s touch Ilaiyaraaja’s new work ‘Divya Pasurams’ proves once again his impeccable composing skills . Photo: R. Ragu R. Ragu

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Nineteen years after presenting selected verses of Manickavachakar’s Thiruvachagam in Oratorio format, maestro Ilaiyaraaja has composed music for a few pasurams from Nalayira Divya Prabandham. With the support of Prof. Gnanasundaram, an acclaimed academician, Ilaiyaraaja chose some pasurams (Tiruvoimozhi) by Periyazhwar, Naachiyar, Kulasekara Azhwar, Thondaradipodi Azhwar and Thirumangai Azhwar for his latest album Divya Pasurams, which was released recently.

These pasurams provide a kaleidoscope of Krishna’s life — from birth to Thirumangai Azhwar’s plea for the Lord to reside in Thiruvazhundhur and from surrendering to being liberated from the torment of the five senses.

In an era of Schumpeterian changes, Ilaiyaraaja sticks to the time-tested basics by engaging four main sections in the orchestra: the strings, woodwinds, brass (in a few places), and percussion. His music and orchestration often reflect the meaning and feel of the Azhwar pasurams, providing a divine experience.

The pasurams describe the Lord’s beauty, valour, and the bhakti of the azhwars, as described in the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and Srimad Bhagavatam.

Emphasis on lyrics

The album begins with Periyazhwar’s pasuram sung by Ilaiyaraaja, with the moola mantra ‘Om Namo Narayanaya’ being sung in the background by a group of singers. This pasuram, largely composed in raga Sindhubhairavi, sings paeans to Narayana and emphasises the lyrics with minimal orchestration.

The second piece is based on another Periyazhwar’s pasuram ‘Vanna maadankal’, (sung by Narayanan Ravishankar and V.V. Prasanna) reminding us of ‘Kothumbi’ from Thiruvachagam in Oratorio. The music arrangements capture every single scene in these pasurams such as spraying scented powder and fragrant oil to celebrate the arrival of Krishna. This piece, largely based on raga Abheri, concludes with Yasodha realising that this child is the Supreme being.

Naachiyaar Pasuram “Vaanidai Vaazhum Avvanavarkku”wherein Aandal strongly declares that her body is meant for Sarangan residing in Brindavan and that she will never offer it to any mortal. This short and beautiful composition is sung by Vibhavari in raga Suddha Saveri.

The album progresses through various pasurams, each capturing different aspects of Krishna’s life, with Ilaiyaraaja’s orchestration bringing out the essence of each raga such as Mohanam, Tilang, Suddha Dhanyasi and Mayamalavagowla.

In ‘Puviyil naan’ (sung by Sharreth and Vibhavari), the composition and its orchestration meander along a different rhythm, bringing the string section to the fore while the flute moves to the background. Ilaiyaraaja captures the beauty of the dance of a muster of peacocks with his string section just before the line ‘Karungan thogai mayil peeli anindhu’. From here the strings hop up and down until they reach the crescendo.

The album concludes with Thirumangai Azhwar’s ‘Kulantharum selvam thandhidum’ in raga Hamsanandhi, an intense and poignant composition, in the voice of Hariharan, where the saint expresses his desire to merge with the Lord.

Ilaiyaraaja’s compositions in this album offer a timeless experience.

Breaking the illusion

Suganthy Krishnamachari

Theatre Marina’s Anniyal was a fine adaptation of Girish Karnad’s Kannada play Odakalu Bimba

Contemplative Theatre Marina’s Anniyal staged at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore Photo: M. Srinath SRINATH M

Theatre Marina’s Anniyal, staged in Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, is a Tamil adaptation (direction Giridharan) of Girish Karnad’s play Odakalu Bimba (Broken Images). Anniyal shows how the images of ourselves, which we present for public consumption, are carefully crafted, and not a true representation of who we are. But these images are fragile and can be broken when the still small voice in us becomes active, as happens to Anjali in Anniyal. The play had just one actor — Latha Venkat — playing the role of Anjali, a successful author of a novel in English. The snobbery of the intellectual class, which disdains books in the vernacular, but laps up books in English is exposed.

Anjali, who has to her credit a book of Tamil short stories, says that a writer in Tamil is paid so poorly that she cannot make even sambar with the money. But, for her English story, the publishers have paid her such a hefty advance, that she has resigned her job as a lecturer. However, Anjali is not the author of the novel. She has stolen her dead invalid sister Aarti’s story and passed it off as her own.

The play begins with a smug Anjali answering the questions of her readers in a television programme. She lies blithely, shedding tears over Aarti’s plight and boasts of her own linguistic skills.

But when the TV programme ends, she imagines that there is an image of Aarti on the screen. Every excuse she offers as justification for her perfidy is destroyed by Aarti. Anjali is unable to shake off Aarti’s image, which she knows will remain superimposed on her book every time she picks it up, and on every cheque she receives as royalty. With a husband who has drifted away from her and with her conscience nagging her, Anjali’s self-assurance is shattered.

Latha was brilliant showing Anjali’s transition from a supremely confident author to the guilt-ridden sister with a dark secret. G.P.R. Prasanna and R. Giridharan had come up with an impressive script.

Celebrating excellence

Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna Memorial Trust in association with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and SSVM Institutions, Coimbatore, will conduct Balamurali Nada Mahotsav on July 16, 6 p.m., at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore. The event, organised to commemorate the 94th birth anniversary of the legendary musician, will feature Sandeep Narayan’s vocal concert. On the occasion, senior mridangam vidwan Guruvayur Dorai will be honoured with the Dr. Balamuralikrishna National Award for Artistic Excellence. Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Petroleum and other Natural Gas and Tourism, will present the award.

The event will conclude with a special mangalam to be rendered by the Balamuralikrishna’s disciples, led by senior vocalist Krishnakumar.

The making of a

Amrita Talwar

Nadezda Balyan, the conductor of Delhi Chamber Choir, on mentoring singers

1 of 2 In unison Members of Delhi Chamber Choir and Nadezda Balyan Photos: Special Arrangement Special Arrangement

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Choir singers not only harmonise their voices but also their heartbeat.

This is evident when you watch choral conductor Nadezda (Nadya) Balyan in action during a performance by the Delhi Chamber Choir (DCC). Trying to get the best sounds out of a group of over 20 Indian singers sitting in a semi-circle with their backs absolutely straight, their hearts beating in unison and eyes fixed on Nadezda, she instructs, “be stable. Breathe in, breathe out. Shut your ears and sing. Control your tone. Use your head voice, not your chest voice.”

DCC gears up for its upcoming autumn and winter performances, which will feature ‘Cantata Gloria’ by Vivaldi and a western and Hindustani classical music fusion composition. The firstaudition is happening on July 14.

An alumna of the Moscow State University of Art and Culture, Nadezda runs the Piano Forte School of Music and Art in New Delhi. She also directs the Delhi Chamber Choir as its main conductor for Western classical music.

She came to India in 2007, and has conducted more than 500 choirs across Russia and India. Nadezda says she cannot imagine a life without music. “When I was a year old, I used to walk towards the piano and play some melody, and my grandfather would say, ‘Oh, she’s going to be a musician someday.’ I became a pianist first. Later I decided to try my hand at being a conductor. I also sought training in vocals along with music theory.”

Nadezda feels that conducting concerts is fascinating because it unifies performers; a conductor sets the tempo, shapes the collective sound of the ensemble, and manages the interpretation and pacing of the music. She adds, “the best part about conducting is to be able to teach and choose the repertoire.I get to spend hours researching and listening to great music in order to choose my favourite pieces and present them to the choir.’

Nadezda has developed a rare fusion in her performances, combining Western music with Hindustani raags; the latest one being the popular raag Desh. For the uninitiated, Desh has been the basis of iconic patriotic compositions, ‘Vande Mataram’ being the most identifiable one. Says Nadezda, “Time has now come when all the barriers are being broken and genres, styles and languages blended. New choir composers are collaborating with Indian musicians to come up with some amazing works.”

Nadezda conducts or composes for the Acapella form of choir singing. Acapella is a form of singing that does not use any instrumental accompaniment, which makes it the most difficult form of choir music. “You have to be clear and strong in your hearing, and your voice should be strong and steady enough to control the pitch. If you can’t hold your breath properly, your pitch will fail you.”

Nadezda’s school initially had a lot of expats who sang for the choir, but over a period of time, a lot of Indians have enrolled. “Choir-singing as a concept is yet to find a foothold in India. The journey has been slow. It took quite some time for DCC, too, to become popular. We usually explain to the audience what we are performing, who is the composer and why is the music the way it is.”

She believes Indians are immensely talented. “Such good ear for music, and amazingly rich voices. People from Tamil Nadu and Kerala have excellent base in their voice.”

Nadezda has travelled to Mumbai with her troupe for shows. She feels Mumbai is more open to Western music as compared to Delhi. After Mumbai, she feels Bengaluru is the best city for Acapella.

Nadezda admires the musicians of Chennai too. ‘Singer-composer Kalyani Nair is excellent. Along with Western classical music, she is conversant with Hindustani music as well. I think Chennai is lucky to have a lot of good musicians in the conservatory as well. And A.R. Rahman and L. Subramanian have given such amazing compositions to the world.”

Like most creative enterprises, choirs too suffer from lack of funds, and that’s one reason why Nadezda isn’t able to perform in other Indian cities. “We don’t earn enough money to pay our singers.” She hopes fusion concerts will eventually swing the balance in their favour.

Nadezda is continuously working to revive choir singing. ‘We conduct workshops for new entrants. We are also planning to take our performances to Bengaluru and Chennai.”

In guru’s footsteps

Mayura School of Classical Dances featured the Bharatanatyam performance of Soundarya. R, at T.N. Rajarathinam Kalai Arangam, R.A. Puram, recently. Soundarya is the student of Kanchana Janardhanan, who did the nattuvangam and had choreographed the pieces for the performance. P.R. Venkata Subramanian, who played the keyboard, composed music for all the songs, except Muthuthandavar’s kriti. Randhini Arvind was on vocal and R. Suresh on the mridangam.

Table of Contents

The Hindu Jul 12, 2024

Regional

NEET-UG counselling from July third week, says govt.

Cauvery panel asks Karnataka to ensure flow of water for T.N.

Centre withholding funds for projects: Stalin

Two members of Meitei outfit held in Imphal

NULM workers call off protest as GCC agrees to hike wages

Doctors demand implementation of G.O. on promotions

Fire breaks out at Southern Railway godown in ICF

Man murders father, police launch search

Tambaram residents raise concern over levy of water charges on individual flats

Chennai Metro Rail Limited tells High Court that it has no option but to impose tender conditions in favour of Japan

Sri Ramachandra Institute sets up VR lab for medical training

Sixth Retina Summit will focus on retinopathy of prematurity

Special medical camps for street food vendors launched

Govt. to fete private schools that got 100% pass in Class XII

PMK flays bid to withhold service quota

T.N. Health Minister discusses with World Bank officials plan to boost health infrastructure

School principal and administrator booked for not reporting sexual assault incidents to police

‘Bring tea estate and workers under TANTEA’

Probe into misappropriation of funds from Pachaiyappa’s trust

Court allows custodial inquiry of BSP leader murder case suspects

Cannot remit Post Matric Scholarship scheme money to educational institutions, Centre tells Madras High Court

T.N. will soon unveil policies on Deep Tech and Artificial Intelligence, says Minister

Sri Lankan Navy arrests 13 fishers from Pudukottai

Centre withholding funds for projects in Tamil Nadu, says CM

‘Ooty lake must be protected under 2017 Wetland Rules’

Man killed in police encounter in Pudukottai; SI injured

Stalin, EPS pay tributes to late freedom fighter

CB-CID searches AIADMK functionary’s house in Karur

YouTuber arrested for ‘derogatory’ comments against late CM

How a co-operative model of farming helped boost floriculture in Tamil Nadu

A palace and a library spotlight the cultural mosaic of Thanjavur

The painful spectacle of 47 wives of the Ramanathapuram king committing sati

Edit

Reading the tea leaves ahead of China’s Third Plenum

Breaking the taboo around men’s reproductive health

letters to the editor

Can of worms

Secular remedy

Should States get special packages outside Finance Commission allocations?

Keeping your head above water

The trauma of covering tragedies

BHEL to make oil rigs with U.S. collaboration

Railway risk notes

Future investments in India’s EV space

Why are dengue cases rising? Which are the areas seeing a spread?

What could Indian thaatha do in present-day India?

The DAILY QUIZ

Know your English

National

During conflict, there is no such thing as strategic autonomy: U.S. Ambassador

India hosts BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers amid raging Myanmar crisis

J&K, Punjab officials meet to tackle rise in militancy in Jammu

No intrusion recorded on cameras on Jammu-Pak. border: BSF official

Controversial probationary IAS officer joins duty

Two members of Meitei outfit held in Imphal

Nazir Ronga, J&K Bar’s ad hoc chief, arrested

NEET counselling from July third week: govt.

Centre begins efforts to implement Labour Codes

Ahead of MLC polls in Maharashtra, wary parties move MLAs to hotels

Justices Kotiswar Singh, R. Mahadevan proposed for elevation to top court

Will raise Manipur issue with full force in Parliament: Rahul

SJM seeks ‘robot tax’ for AI- induced job loss

SKM farmers to meet MPs with their 14 demands

CBI arrests key accused in NEET paper leak case

PM’s heart bleeds for victims in Ukraine but not in Manipur, says Meitei body

14225

HC upholds larger warning labels on pan masala packs

Guruvayurappan’s greatness

14-day judicial custody for Sena politician’s family driver

‘Youth posted a doctored NET paper; no question leak’

Alimony verdict: Muslim groups looking at legal options

Chiefs of BSF, CISF reiterate 10% quota for Agniveers

DRDO approval for seven new projects by the private sector

Vizhinjam international seaport opens new chapter as mothership San Fernando comes calling

Strong connection

Expect implementation of A.P. Reorganisation Act: Congress

Trial in ISRO case may take time to begin

Do not panic, Vizag steel plant will not be shut down, says Steel Minister Kumaraswamy

Woman cannot prosecute her live-in partner for cruelty, says Kerala High Court

Congress will rectify its mistakes of LS election, says Shivakumar

Telangana SIB former chief denies phone tapping allegations

Telangana starts exercise for Budget Session

Sports

Gritty Paolini outlasts Vekic in an epic, earns a shot at glory

Amritraj, Paes and Evans feted at Wimbledon

Tendulkar’s was a big wicket, he was the ‘best batter’ to bowl to: Anderson

Windies in dire straits after Smith’s knock gives England a big lead

Need to give my 100% every single day, says Washington

Musetti says making semifinal ‘best day of life after son’s birth’

Barty plays exhibition doubles at Wimbledon but happy to stay retired

Medvedev is like a wall, every ball bounces back: Alcaraz

The results

Watkins’ last-gasp strike puts England in its second successive summit clash

Arshdeep credits Bumrah for guiding him at critical junctures

Around THE CITY

Sonu sizzles with the ball as Royal Kings rule the day

Girmay wins stage 12; Morkov withdraws with COVID-19

Udhayanidhi presents cheque to carrom team, fencer Joyce

Ganguly buys Kolkata team in Indian Racing League

LiVE TELECAST

Engagements

I’m in good shape and with a decent draw, I can make it

Business

Keep raising road-infra spending, frame policies to boost electrification

‘Food prices a worry but June inflation may not exceed 5%’

TCS net rose 8.7% to ₹12,040 cr. in Q1, buoyed by manufacturing

Rethink tax on debt oriented MFs: AMFI

Shibaura Machine targets higher exports, revenue

Edible-oil firm Gemini enters TN via Be-Rite brand

‘Joint group formed for reforms in E&P sector’

Brookfield to invest $200 mn in Leap Green Energy stake

RBI allows resident Indians to open FCAs in GIFT City IFSC

Foreign

Lerma heads Colombia into a Copa final after 23 years

NATO boosts Asia ties in face of China; Zelensky attends

Israel military declares end to operation in Gaza’s north

Clooney, Democrats pile pressure on Biden

India to tour Sri Lanka later this month for three ODIs and T20Is

Over 44,000 Afghans in Pakistan awaiting U.S., foreign resettlement

Blaze breaks out in spire of Rouen medieval cathedral in France

Myanmar junta ‘trying to destroy country’: UN special rapporteur

France’s Left leaders blast Macron, demand Prime Minister’s post

NATO starts sending F-16 jets to support Ukraine

Science

Weight loss is among the ‘best routes to diabetes remission’

Zika virus: the need to improve surveillance and vector control

Blind gamer puts ChatGPT to the test

FR

Shankar and the sitar

Scoring as a team

Aesthetic visiontalking

Chords, notes and rhythm

Two-day YJF fest

Verses and voices

Breaking the illusion

Celebrating a legend

The making of a choir

In guru’s footsteps