A Gold Medal Around Your Neck Doesn’t Matter, Giving 100% In The Field Does

“It doesn’t matter whether a gold medal is around your neck or have you qualified for any big sports event, at the end of the day you need to sleep honestly knowing that you gave your best in the field”, said, Rehan Poncha, Arjuna Awardee & Indian Olympic Swmmier and the Chief Guest at the inauguration ceremony of the MIT World Peace University’s 12th National level Inter Engineering Sports Summit. Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune has organized a National Level Inter-Engineering Sports Meet, “MIT SUMMIT” with 15 different sports, 36 individual trophies and prizes worth 15 lacs starting from 14th September.

Also present at the ceremony were Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder President, MAEER’s MIT, Pune, Ganpatrao Mane, Kabaddi Player, Devidas Jadhav, Volleyball Coach, Sunil Kakde, Indian Rower, Prof. Rahul Karad, Executive President, MIT World Peace University, Dr. Mangesh T. Karad, Secretary & Trustee, MAEER’s Group of Institutions, Prof. L. K. Kshirsagar, Principal, MIT, Dr. R. V. Pujeri, Director, MIT WPU, Prof.S.S.Darade-Patil, Dean, MIT and Prof.  P. G. Dhanave.

The Krida Maharashi Puraskar was awarded to Shri. Ganpatrao Mane for his outstanding contribution in the field of Kabaddi. The Krida Acharya Puraskar was given to Shri. Devidas Jadhav for his outstanding contribution in the field of Volleyball and to Shri. Sunil Kakde for his outstanding contribution in the field of Rowing. Megha Agarwal was given the Sports Star of the Year Award at the hands of Mr. Rehan Poncha.

Rehan Poncha further said, “I decided to pursue a comparatively simpler course so that I can achieve my dream of representing India at the Olympics, the biggest sporting stage for any sportsman. I worked day in and day out to achieve my dream. But, I failed to qualify for the 2004 Olympic games. But I didn’t gave up, as I had my goal fixed firmly in my mind. In the next Olympic qualifications, 15 minutes before my qualifying swim, I was tensed, if I would had failed, that would had been my last shot at Olympics. All I did was think of the efforts taken by my coaches, my parents and all the toil I had taken to reach there. I qualified and the most proud moment of my life was to be one of the 62 members from a country of 1.2 billion people walking at the opening ceremony of Olympics with the Indian flag rightly waving in front of us.”

Ganpatrao Mane said, “The sports culture has not yet reached the rural parts of India. We lack sports infrastructure in the rural parts. The government has to give a keen attention to sports culture and infrastructure in rural areas.”

Devidas Jadhav said, “I have visited many countries in the world, participating in many tournaments, but I have not found any institute as passionate as MIT World Peace University when it comes to commitment towards sports. I hope tomorrow’s sports leadership should walk from the soil of Maharashtra.”

Prof. Dr. Vishwanath karad said, “Rehan Poncha has shown us that with a sense of discipline and character, one can lead a successful life. Be it engineering, management or medical students do not find time for sports from their heavy study syllabus. But MIT is an institution which understands the importance of sports in any student’s life. I appeal to all of you to create a platform and help in whatever possible way you can for the field of sports. It our responsibility to build a huge platform when it comes to sports.”

Prof. Rahul Karad said, “We want to create a sports culture in the whole country. We want MIT World Peace University to become a model for it. Sports bring the whole nation together. I wish lick to all the participants participating in the MIT WPU Summit 2017.

Dr. Mangesh Karad said, “It is the 12th year of the Summit. We started it in 2005 with participation of hardly 300-350 students. Today we have nearly 5000 students from all over India participating in this prestigious inter engineering tournament. It is a wonderful and path showing event happening in the sports environment of Pune. Universities have a huge task of Nation Building. What other than sports can contribute effectively to a building of a great nation.”

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World Peace Prize Conferred Upon Elder D. Tod Christofferson

The Philosopher Saint Shri Dnyaneshwara World Peace Prize-2017, given on behalf of World Peace Center (Alandi), MAEER’s MIT World Peace University, Pune, India was conferred upon the HON’BLE ELDER D. TODD CHRISTOFFERSON, Member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints – Mormon Community, Utah, (USA), in appreciation and recognition of his great yeomen service for championing the Noble Cause of Human Welfare, Communal Harmony and Universal Brotherhood through his unique mission to promote the Culture of Peace in the World.

The conferment ceremony took place at the Swami Vivekananda Mandap at Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University. The Chief Guest at this program was Dr. Michael Noble, Ex-President, Noble Charitable Trust. The award consisted of a golden replica of Saint Shri Dnyaneshwara, a gold medal, certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 5,25,000/- (Five Lakh Twenty Five Thousand Rupees).

Also present at the event were Shri. Babasaheb Purandare, Maharashtra Bhushan, Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, President, World Peace Centre (Alandi), MAEER’s MIT World Peace University, Nanik Rupani, Chairman, Neutron Electronic Systems, Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, Padma Bhushan & Father of PARAM Supercomputer, Prof. Rahul Karad, Executive President, MIT World Peace University, Hon’ble Father Funk, Elder Robert Williams, Mr. Mathew Holland and Dr. Chandrakant Pandav, Trustee, MAEER’s MIT, Pune.

In his acceptance speech, Elder D. Tod Christofferson said, “It is my honour to receive this World Peace Prize in the name of Saint Shri Dnyaneshwara. Our church is grateful to be part of India's rich diversity of faith traditions. Religion defines and sustains us. For billions of believers it is who we are and how we live. But religion also benefits Nations, communities and policy makers who seek to establish peace and lasting prosperity for all people of all faiths. Religion has a significant effect on national prosperity. Study shows that religion fosters trust, a necessary ingredient for social Cohesion and economic growth. Religious people trust others more. They trust the legal system and government more, they are less willing to break the laws. Trust is an essential element of any well-functioning economy. Religious people are far more trusting than those with merely a secular point of view. Religious people and Institutions are powerful source of humanitarian assistance. People of faith are 40% more likely than non-religious people to give money to Charity and twice as likely to volunteer their services to community organisations. Religious freedom facilitates other types of freedom. Studies have shown that societal restrictions on religion increases interstate conflicts. The Christian community in India, although a minority, generally enjoy safety and peace to develop and contribute to Indian society as well as other faiths in India.”

Dr. Michael Nobel said, “The Nobel Prize in peace is generally considered by the world as the ultimate accolade for peace efforts. But there are other prestigious awards and one of them is the World Peace Prize given by MIT World Peace University and is considered as the foremost peace activity award in this country. The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints is unique in several regards. The areas in which the organisation excels are they assure peace and Unity within family structures. They hava a strict imposition of honour codes in which no gambling, smoking or drinking is allowed, it is also a great range of scope of humanitarian efforts on a worldwide scale and their expensive and practical work with refugees to ensure their livelihood and possibilities of survival in a foreign country is commendable.”

Babasaheb Purandare said, “Today is an auspicious day as we are felicitating a senior and wiser man like Elder D. Todd Christofferson. His name starts with the world 'elder' and ends with the word 'son'. The power of both the words can be seen within him. If pasaydan is written under the logo of any other religion it will sound the same and will relate itself appropriately to that religion. This is the beauty of pasaydan. We should love the world. The world 'love' truly resembles religion.”

Vishwanath Karad said, “We are delighted to honour Elder D. Tod Christofferson with the World Peace Prize. He has dedicated his life to the service of the society. Today we have come for common cause to promote peace and culture in this world. This is a small beginning. This institution has followed the steps of Swami Vivekananda. I have a hope that in the future the education system will be based on the union of Science and spirituality.”

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Has Pakistan Come to Senses?

Pakistan seems to have come to senses after steadfast and resolute stand taken by India. The Indian forces have given a resolute and befitting reply to Pakistani soldiers who know the language of bullet. It is good that our forces have started speaking the only language that the Pakis know.

Such is the insecurity in Pakistani camp that their Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called on his Indian counterpart and expressed concern for the Indian retaliation.
“DGMO level talks on behest of Pakistan’s DGMO was held on 17 Jul 2017. During the talks the Pak DGMO raised the issues of targeting of Pak Army troops which resulted in the death of four Pakistani soldiers and one civilian in Athmuqam Sector of Pakistan occupied Kashmir opposite Indian Keren Sector, Kupwara District,” says the press statement by Col Aman Anand,PRO (Army).
The statement says, “Indian DGMO in response highlighted that all ceasefire violations were initiated by Pakistan Army and the Indian Army only responded appropriately to them. Apart from these, firing by Indian troops was initiated against armed intruders when attempting to infiltrate from close proximity of Pak posts along the Line of Control (LC).

“DGMO also put across emphatically that the trend of infiltration along the LC continued with active support of Pak forward posts impacting peace and tranquillity along the LC and also the internal security situation. This was evident from continued attempts of sniping and targeting of our troops undertaken through cross border actions duly supported by Pakistani Army troops,” it said.

DGMO made it implicit that Indian Army reserved the right to retaliate appropriately to any incident of violation of ceasefire but is sincere in its effort of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the LC provided there was reciprocity

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Will Prime Minister's Outburst Pacify Cow-Vigilantes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again warned those involved in cow vigilantism. Speaking during the all-party meeting ahead of the monsoon session of parliament beginning tomorrow, the Prime Minister said no violence in the name of gau raksha will be tolerated. He said that states have been asked to take strict action against those involved such violence.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar said that the Prime Minister underlined the belief of many Hindus that cow is like mother, but said that this should not let people take law in their own hands and every state government should act against violation of the law.
In a Hindi tweet later, the PM said that Hindus see a cow as mother and it is alright. But we must understand that there were laws to protect cows and one does not need take law into one's hand.
The prime minister also thanked all the parties for the cooperation extended in the implementation of GST.
The issue of north east flood also came up for discussion during the meeting. Government said it has taken all measures required to provide assistance to flood hit states.
The Prime Minister said that strict action must be taken against political leaders indulging in corruption.
Meanwhile, BJP Parliamentary party executive also met in parliament today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended the meeting. Currently leaders of ruling NDA are meeting to chalk out their strategy ahead of the Parliament session.
In the evening, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has also convened a meeting of leaders of political parties. The meeting has been called to ensure smooth transaction of business.

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Rain Gods Pleased; Maharashtra to Get More Rainfall

Rain gods seem pleased with Maharashtra as the meteorology department has predicted more rains in the region.
Many regions of Maharashtra witnessed heavy rainfall and it is assumed that the state will be receiving heavy to more heavy rain. Nashik recorded more active rainfall and now it is now its way to cover entire Maharashtra.
According to ndia Meteorological Department (IMD), Southwest Monsoon has returned to its active phase. Since Thursday, the northern regions of Maharashtra and Konkan reported heavy to very heavy rains. At the same time, Pune city recorded 26 mm rainfall, the heaviest spell recorded so far in July.
The trend is expected to continue over the weekend, particularly over Nandurbar, Nashik, Jalgaon and Dhule districts, IMD said.
Till July 12, it was remarked that these northern districts fell under the ‘rainfall-deficient’ categories, with a shortage of 30%-50% below normal. But after receiving the heavy rains for only two days, these figures have not only shown marked improvements, but they are touching normal levels.
The sudden spike in rainfall activity over the state to the influence of a low-pressure system lying over west Madhya Pradesh was recognised by the IMD, Pune officials.
Senior Scientist at the climate monitoring analysis group Sunitha Devi stated, “This system, which is expected to move towards Gujarat, is set to further intensify into a deep depression, bringing more and heavier spells of rain over Madhya Maharashtra and Konkan, especially during the weekend”.
On Friday, some places in Raigad and Sindhudurg districts in Konkan recorded very heavy rains; Pen (240 mm) and Bhira (178 mm) were among the wettest towns. IMD authorities noted, “the monsoon trough has now shifted southwards and is passing through central India, so the rainfall is expected to get heavier in the coming days”.
Sunitha Devi informed, “The rainfall will be fairly well-distributed over the state, as extended range predictions indicate that the rest of July will be wet. There are fresh systems that will cause rains over central and western parts of the country”.
Meanwhile, in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, the rain is expected to gather momentum only by June 20. From the time when the monsoon season started, Vidarbha has been experiencing deficient rainfall.

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Monsoon covers entire Maha, brings relief to farmers

The south west monsoon has covered all parts of Maharashtra bringing good rains and relief to farmers. The Pune city, along with many other parts of the state, witnessed moderate rains today.

The central part of Maharashtra is a major food grains growing area and rainfall in this region has brought relief to farmers as well as the state administration.

"For the first time in July, the south west monsoon has brought rains to all parts of the state. There had been showers since July 1, but of low intensity and scattered. It is good that the entire Maharashtra is now covered," an official of the India rpt India Meteorological Department told PTI.

"The central parts of the state - comprising north Maharashtra and Marathwada - received showers of medium intensity. It will be helpful for farmers as the state was facing a potential challenge of second round of sowing in the region," he said.

"The second round of sowing means an additional input cost to the already debt-ridden farmers," the official said.

Maharashtra agriculture minister Pandurang Fundkar told PTI that sowing on over 66 per cent of the total area has been done during the ongoing Kharif season.

The state administration was a bit worried over the delay in rainfall. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had even issued an advisory for postponing the sowing, he said.

"As of today, the sowing has taken place on more than 66 per cent of agricultural area in the state. We are a bit relieved now," Fundkar said.

A report from Nashik said incessant rains lashed the city and other parts of the district after a dry spell, leading to water logging in low-lying areas.

The water level of Godavari river has risen following heavy downpour since last night in the catchment areas, an official said.

The irrigation department has not released water from the Nashik's Gangapur dam owing to the heavy rains.

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'Angry' Hindus Take to Street Protesting Amarnath Attack

Hundreds of workers belonging to Hindu organizations today came on the street in Mumbai protesting against attack on pilgrims in Amarnath in Kashmir.

"Despite providing foolproof security for Shri Amarnath yatra, jihadi terrorists attacked Amarnath pilgrims killing 7 and injuring 19. This incident is serious and worrying. Earlier too, the terrorists had attacked Amarnath yatra and set fire to Langar (Free food service centre) injuring 24. It is getting clear that all these activities are sponsored by Pakistan. Therefore, Pakistan and terrorist should be taught a lesson so that nobody would dare to attack Amarnath pilgrims again, and the status of 'Most Favoured Nation' allotted to Pakistan should be withdrawn," appealed the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and other Hindu organisations to the Central Government.

 The march commenced from Shri Hanuman Temple, Dadar (West) and proceeded via Veer Kotwal park-Shiv Sena Bhavan concluding at Shivaji Park. Several Hindu organisations such as Shri Shiv Pratishthan,  Bajrang Dal, Hindu Govansh Raksha Samiti, Shivkarya Pratishthan Vikhroli, Raigad Sanvardhan Pratishthan, Vajradal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Shivputra Pratishthan, Hindu Rashtra Sena, Swarajya Yuwa Pratishthan, Yoga Vedant Samiti, Sanatan Sanstha etc. along with the activists of Shiv Sena participated in the march.

The protesters also condemned violence being perpetrated on Hindus in West Bengal.

"Jihadi fanatics have created havoc in Bengal for last few days because of a controversial post on Facebook. Thousands of religious fanatics attacked Hindus in Bashirahat and Baduria areas of North 24 Parganas District, demolished hundreds of Hindu homes and temples; 35 Hindus were injured and Hindu women were raped. Even so, the Bengal Government has remained idle for appeasing Muslims. Now, the Modi government should dissolve the Bengal Government, which is trampling the law and order, without waiting for the Bengal to become another Bangladesh. The central Government should promulgate 'President's Rule' in Bengal and protect Hindus there," the protesters urged.

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Ravindra Gaikwad Brings Embarrassment for Shiv Sena Besides Himself

Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad was never known for his parliamentary prowess. Far from bringing fame to his constituency Osmanabad – one of the most backward districts in Maharashtra, he has brought disrepute for it. Incidentally, he is the second MP from Osmanabad to find himself in the soup. His predecessor and Nationalist Congress leader Padmasinh Patil was charged as conspirator of the murder of his cousin.

With the latest episode, Gaikwad has invited embarrassment for himself as well as his party Shiv Sena. The estranged ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party is already cornered with its recent failure to stop BJP's juggernaut in Mumbai Municipal Corporation election. It is also at odds with the BJP-led state government even after being a part of it. Shiv Sena has tried to take higher moral ground on issues like farmers' suicide and noteban. Gaikwad's ill tempered and ill timed misadventure has forced Shiv Sena to go on defensive.

The Delhi Police today registered an FIR against Gaikwad for assaulting an Air India staffer and transferred the case to its Crime Branch. Delhi Police chief spokesperson and special commissioner (operations) Dependra Pathak said a case has been registered under sections 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 355 (assault or criminal force with intent to dishonour person) of IPC. He said the case is being transfered to Crime Branch for a thorough probe.

Gaikwad hit 60-year-old duty manager, R Sukumar 25 times with his sandal when the official persuaded him to disembark after the plane landed at the IGI airport, New-Delhi from Pune. The entire episode has been captured on mobile and is going viral.

The MP refused to alight, holding up the aircraft for over 40 minutes yesterday. Police received two complaints in this regard- one from Air India and the other from Sukumar. What is worse, Gaikwad bragged on camera that he hit the AI employee.The incident took place on Thursday morning inside Air India's Pune- Delhi flight AI 852, when the aircraft landed in Delhi. Mr Gaikwad refused to disembark despite attempts of persuading him to do so. An Air India official also tried to pacify the MP, who vociferously complained about the morning flight to Delhi from Pune, not having business class.

Seven airlines including state owned AIR India have barred MP Gaikwad from flying. The Federation of Indian Airlines, which has Jet Airways, IndiGo, SpiceJet, AirAsia and GoAir as its members has decided to blacklist Gaikwad who admitted to his unruly behaviour with Air Indian staffer. The IndiGo even went ahead to cancel his ticket from Delhi to Pune scheduled today.

Taking serious note of Gaikwad’s behavior Shiv Sena has asked him to give an explanation over the issue. Party chief Uddhav Thackeray also sought AI’s version over the incident. Speaking to media in Mumbai yesterday, Shiv Sena Spokesperson Manisha Kayande stated that the party does not subscribe to any such reaction while MP Sanjay Raut, who is always on forefront in criticizing the BJP said that manhandling government employees cannot be party's program.

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We want to fight next war with technology on our side : Gen. Bipin Rawat

‘We want to fight next war with technology on our side and not like the past’ said General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Army Staff. Gen. Rawat sought efforts towards the most important need to bring in transparency of the battlefield to allow better decision making. Pointing out the drawbacks in trial equipment, he asked the industry and academia to focus on the fact that Indian Army will fight its wars in varied terrain and weather conditions seeking them to come up with robust, rugged, miniaturised yet technologically compatible solutions. He further nudged them to come up with a ‘Society for Defence Manufacture’ as the next step.

Gen. Rawat chaired a combined session of ‘the user and the provider’ attended by renowned industrialists, academicians as well as the decision making hierarchy of the Army and released the ‘Compendium of Problem Statements Vol II’, which has been prepared by Army Design Bureau (ADB) after detailed interaction with all stake holders including soldiers deployed in field.

The first volume, with 50 problem statements released on 5th December 2016, was received with tremendous amount of enthusiasm, 28 new problem statements have now been added which will enable industry and academia to understand the ‘Felt Needs’ and come up with indigenous solutions incorporating the latest technology trends for India’s military power.

Giving feedback on the first vol, industrialists and academicians expressed keenness to step up R&D for solutions to Army’s problems and deeply appreciated Army’s efforts calling the raising of ADB as a path breaking step. Mr RS Bhatia pointed that India is probably the only great nation where Industrial might of the country is not yet reflected in its Defence Forces.

General Rawat took the opportunity to challenge the industry and academia by asking them to align the solutions to the stated problems. Industry leaders and the academicians who seemed greatly ‘fired up’ committed to work towards ensuring that ‘Indian Army Will Win India’s Wars with Indian Solutions’.

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NFAI adds Notable Foreign Films to its Collection

In another significant acquisition, National Film Archive of India (NFAI), Pune has added a number of foreign films to its rich collection!

The acquired titles are all internationally acclaimed, having been honoured at festivals such as the Cannes Film Festival, the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes Award, the British Academy Film Awards and the Robert Awards (Danish equivalent of the Academy Awards). The titles include three films from France (Lemming – 2005, Invasions Barbares – 2003 and The Beat That My Heart Skipped – 2005), one from Belgium (l’enfant – 2005), a gripping political thriller from Denmark (Kongekabale – 2004) and one film from Bosnia and Herzegovina (Gori Vatra – 2004). The plot of Lemming (2005) follows a strange dinner party after which the attendees make discoveries about their seemingly well-ordered hosts. Invasions Barbares (2003) revolves around a terminally ill professor whose illness helps him reunite with important people in his life. Gori Vatra (2004) depicts the aftermath of the Bosnian War and the U.S. President’s impending visit.

                    

It is notable that the film The Beat That My Heart Skipped (2005) by the path-breaking French filmmaker Jacques Audiard is also part of this collection. The film follows the life of a deceitful young realtor and whether he will grow out of his ways to fulfil his dream of becoming a concert pianist. The Dardenn brothers’ film l’enfant (2005) was a winner of the Palme D’Or at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival, and revolves around a young couple trying to fend for themselves by committing theft. These 6 films were acquired from Mumbai resident Shri. Narayan Srinivasan.

Another lot of Iranian films was acquired from the Iranian Embassy in Mumbai. The collection includes celebrated Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf’s highly acclaimed film The Peddler (1989) and the documentary ‘The Afghan Alphabet’ (2002) by Makhmalbaf. The acquired titles also include Pouran Derakhshandeh’s Wet Dream (2005) and Shahram Assadi’s Avinar (1991).

"We are proud to have a representative collection of world cinema, and thrilled to acquire these notable titles which have enriched our collection”, shared Shri. Prakash Magdum, Director NFAI. He also appealed to the public to submit any such rare, archival film material and join us in our mission to preserve India’s cinematic heritage.

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EVMs : The Liberals Are a Loser Lot

Ever since the results for the Uttar Pradesh and four other states were announced, the liberal camp has gone hysterical against the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The EVMs were introduced in India in 2003 and since then, en number of governments have been removed or voted back in power - all with EVMs. At the central level alone, Vajpayee government lost the power in 2004 while Congress-led UPA retained and lost the power each once. It is true that Lal Krishna Advani protested against EVMs in 2009 and asked them to be removed. But wait, who was the adviser of Advani in 2009?
Sudhindra Kulkarni, the same commie Left Rasputin on whose insistence Advani toured Pakistan and made that unfortunate statement praising Jinnah. That brought doom on poor leader's career who had spent decades in serving BJP - nay, the party is seeing today's glory thanks to his untiring crusades against the pseudo-seculars (actually it was he who minted and popularized the term). The point is, in Kulkarni's company, Advani became a loser and cribbed against everything that went against him - a characteristic trait of the liberal imposters; they are always okay with anything until it goes in their stride. Not surprisinly, Advani cribbed even when Narendra Modi was given charge of leading BJP's campaign in 2014 and thereafter too.
When Advani made these allegations against EVMs, the Election Commission of India had put up 100 EVMs in open and challenged all to demonstrate how they could be hacked. Obviously, nobody took up the challenge. It was easier to shoot in the dark and play victim than prove the credentials of one's allegations. However, the issue was meaty enough for some souls to feast on it. Subramanian Swamy, a perpetual litigation-monger, took up the issue. He went to Supreme Court to seek relief with Lady of Irony standing smilingly behind him as hardly anybody remembered him standing in electoral fray ever and winning with a large vote share or say - losing with a thin margin.
Now, the crucial part. The SC, after pondering over the matter and giving due hearings, ordered that EVMs should be supplemented with the printed receipt of the vote being given. The court never said that EVMs were vulnerable or that they were useless. Like Kulkarni and his Red tribe, the entire spectrum of liberal ideology is bereft of any real liberalism or progressivism. This ilk is sustained on an inherited legacy of struggle, strife and sanity. The sustenance on which they survived till now is exhausting very fast and as they say, shallow water is always noisier.
That is why while crying hoarse about the fallibility of EVMs in UP and Uttarakhand, they forget that three states have thrown up results that sounded music to their ears. One only hopes all the best to the selective color-blindness of the liberals because that is the sure shot remedy of their removal.

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Shiv Sena Legislators Unhappy with Their Own Ministers

Even though Shiv Sena has joined the BJP-led government in Maharashtra, the party seems to be getting no traction from the arrangement. Even as the party chief Uddhav Thackeray lashes out at the alliance partner regularly, his legislators are unhappy with their own ministers.
Almost half of the ministers in the Maharashtra cabinet come from Shiv Sena. They offer a good opportunity to serve the public but the ministers are doing no work at all, the party's legislators complain openly. Even Uddhav Thackeray himself reportedly expressed his displeasure on his ministers' performance after the local bodies elections held in the state   last year.
The legislators complain that the party's 12 ministers have only occupied their chairs without contributing anything to the party that is involved in a bitter rivalry with its saffron ally.
In the recently held municipal elections in the state, Uddhav and other senior leaders of Shiv Sena concentrated on Mumbai while entrusting the responsibility of the remaining 9 municipal corporations to the ministers. However, they failed to launch an effective campaign in other parts of the state leaving them for the BJP to win. That is why Shiv Sena failed to muster any impressive performance in either the municipal corporations in urban areas or in Zilla Parishads in rural areas.
 The legislators fear that if the situation continues like this, the party will be hard pushed to muster win in the elections in future, eventually losing ground to a surging BJP.

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NCL and IGIB Sign Licensing Agreement with Ahammune Biosciences for Vitiligo Drug Development

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune and CSIR- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi together signed a Patent Licensing agreement with Ahammune Biosciences Pvt. Ltd., Pune for Vitiligo drug development on March 2, 2017. Ahammune is a resident incubatee company of Venture Center, NCL’s technology business incubator.

Ahammune Biosciences is an innovation-led drug discovery start-up company with the vision to find a new drug for the debilitating skin disorder, Vitiligo. It is the most common depigmenting disease with over 80 million people affected by it. In Vitiligo, color-producing cells are lost from areas of skin leaving behind white spots. The spread of depigmentation is unpredictable, ranging from days to years. Due to its effect on physical appearance, it is a cause of immense psychological torment, with patients feeling isolated and depressed. This disease is of major concern in India, where it is considered as a social stigma due to its confusion with leprosy. The current treatment strategies provide only temporary relief and are mostly ineffective. Ahammune is striving to fulfil this unmet medical need in the vitiligo therapeutic area.

Ahammune Biosciences would like to conduct further work towards potential vitiligo drug development through this Licensing agreement. CSIR labs will receive milestone payments based on the progress.

The patent was the outcome of the collaborative research work in chemistry and biology between these two labs. Dr. D. Srinivasa Reddy (CSIR-NCL), Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale (CSIR-IGIB, on deputation from NII) and T. N. Vivek (CSIR-IGIB) are the lead inventors of the patent.

Prof. Ashwini Kumar Nangia, Director, CSIR-NCL and Dr. (Miss.) Parul Ganju, Director, Ahammune Biosciences Pvt. Ltd. signed the agreement in presence of respective teams from both parties.

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NFAI acquires Dupe Negative of Suraiya starrer Bari Behen (1949)

National Film Archive of India (NFAI), Pune is jubilant to add the cinematic gem Bari Behen (1949) to its ever-growing collection. Produced and directed by D. D. Kashyap, the Hindi film features the star cast of Suraiya, Geeta Bali, Rehman, Ullas, Pran and Baby Tabassum.

The film features memorable music composed by Husnlal-Bhagatram, with lyrics by Rajinder Krishna & Qamar Jalalabadi. The song “Chup Chup Khade Ho” sung by Lata Mangeshkar is a classic!

The film (in duplicate negative) was received from Pune resident Ms. Radhika S. Pai, daughter-in- law of Shri. Baburao Pai, a renowned film distributor. Young Baburao Pai had started a film distribution office in Karachi and later joined Saraswati Cinetone and Prabhat Film Company as a partner. He went on to found his own film company Famous Pictures. Bari Behen is the first film made under the Famous Pictures banner. 

Speaking about the acquisition, Shri. Prakash Magdum, Director NFAI said, “We are thankful to Ms. Radhika Pai for contributing towards the preservation of the country’s cinematic heritage. We appeal to the public to submit such rare, archival material and join us in our mission to preserve India’s heritage”.

The film is the story of two sisters, Shama (Suraiya) and Kiran (Geeta Bali). It revolves around the stark realities of life that are sometimes more significant than a life of love and romance. To fulfill the last wishes of their deceased parents, Shama becomes a house help so that her sister Kiran can receive education, even sacrificing her only chance at finding love.

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Fadnavis Ups the Ante; BJP-SS Tussle Becomes Fierce

The Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis lashed out at the Shiv Sena today as he squarely blamed the party for lackluster performance of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Shiv Sena did nothing for the Marathi people and only exploited them by appealing to emotions, he said. The development promised the fierce battle for the numero uno municipal body in Maharashtra.

Fadnavis, leading the charge of BJP's campaign from municipal elections, addressed a rally in Girgam in South Mumbai. The polling for the much-coveted BMC, is to take place on February 21.

Fadnavis said, "You people (Shiv Sena) have paid only lip service to the people of the city and Marathi people for the last 20 years. But the grim reality is that they lack basic amenities and here in Girgam, water is supplied only for an hour. Is this development of the city? Please stop playing the emotional chord with Marathi people."

Fadnavis also came down heavily on Shivsena chief Uddhav Thackeray for his jibe about BJP's promises on Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. "What the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has to do with BMC elections? Why don't you talk about the development agenda for Mumbai city? And Yes, our party has mentioned this issue (Ayodhya) in its manifesto for Uttar Pradesh polls," he said.

Sena was not focusing on issues of development and transparency because it had done nothing on these counts, while BJP had a development agenda that would transform the city, the Chief Minister said.

Fadnavis also targeted Sena over the bad condition of roads in Mumbai and said the irregularities and lack of transparency in the functioning of BMC was plaguing the city.

In a dig over the alleged `de-silting scam' in BMC, he said, "The way the work of de-silting of nullahs was carried out by the people of BMC and its caretakers, only (southern superstar) Rajinikanth could have done it (in such a non-feasible way).

Earlier, BJP said that it had "enough ammunition" and would expose Shiv Sena in the last week of campaign for the February 21 elections to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections.

Asked about all-out attack launched by Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on BJP, his party's ruling ally in the state government, Tawde said, "Thackeray has already exhausted all his firepower against us in the very first phase of election campaign. I feel Sena will not have issues in their hand to attack us with during the last phase of campaigning."

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Macbeth in Tamil Nadu

V K Sasikala, who followed AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa like a shadow for over three decades, may find going tough now. It is almost an enactment of Macbeth in the politics of Tamil Nadu.
Sure, the legislative party of AIADMK might have elected Sasikala as their leader to pave her way to become the Chief Minister, but neither people nor the polity are going to accept this. They will always raise questions on her capability, eligibility and ethics. And they are not at wrong if they do.
 Sasikala looks at continuing the legacy of late Jayalalithaa, but how can one overlook the fact that even Jayamma had to fight a long battle to prove her mettle. Sasikala wants to wield complete control over the party and the government, but she has neither the performance nor prowess in her side.
62-year-old Sasikala was next to the shadow of Jayalalithaa. However, this was not enough to propel her to the highest post in the state. One must have political acumen and public support   to capture power, neither of which Sasikala possess. After all, her detractors in the party had accused her in 1996 of being responsible for Jayalalithaa's disastrous election defeat during that year.
Sasikala, known as 'Chinamma', was elected as AIADMK General Secretary on December 31 after Jayamma's death on December 6. She emerged as the party's boss though CM O. Panneerselvam managed the state's affairs and that too impressively.
One cannot find any fault with her for having political ambitions. However, a little patience could have helped her. Just five years ago, Jayalalithaa expelled her for anti-party activities though she was taken in within months.
 When Jayalalithaa died on December 5, Sasikala was staying with her at Poes Garden. Hence, when today P. H. Pandian alleged that Jayamma was slow poisoned, it was assumed as a direct assault on Sasikala.
Sasikala's presence at Jayalalithaa's bed when the latter was hospitalised on September 22 and her over protectionism thereafter not only raised controversies but conspiracy theories too.
Thus, today, when the people are out on the streets protesting against her elevation, she is seen as the culprit causing disturbance in Tamil Nadu. If she is not feeling the burden of her (supposed) sins, she must be made to feel it. This seems to be the predominant mood. Sasikala could have waited for some more time, but she chose otherwise. Her swiftness has brought the unfolding of drama too soon. One just hopes this drama ends early and Tamil Nadu regains its endearing posture.

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Highlights of the Budget 2017-18

 

Public Finances

·         Fiscal deficit pegged at 3.2 percent of GDP

·         Revenue Deficit target at 1.9% of GDP

·         Total expenditure for 2017-18 at Rs 21,47,000 crore,

·         The net tax revenue grew by 17% in 2015-16

·         Total resource transfer to States and UTs with legislature at Rs 4.11 lakh crore up from Rs 3.6 lakh crore in BE 16-17

·         Plan, non-plan classification of expenditure done away with in the Budget for 2017-18 to give a holistic picture 

Taxation

·         We are largely a tax non-compliant society & the burden of tax-evaders falls on honest taxpayers Only 1.72 lakh people show income above Rs 50 lakh: FM

·         1.5 crore people show income between Rs 2.5-5 lakh; 52 lakh people between between Rs 5-10 lakh; 24 lakh above Rs 10 lakh

·         Existing rate of taxation of those with income between 2.5 lakh to 5 lakh to be reduced from 10% to 5%:

·         All taxpayers above 5 lakh rupees to get benefit of 12,500 rupees across the board:

·         Surcharge of 10% for those whose annual income is Rs 50 lakh to 1 crore

·         Time period of revising tax return to be reduced to 12 months

·         A single one-page form for filing IT returns for taxable income up to 5 lakh rupees

·         Long-term capital gains tax on immovable property to apply after 2 years, instead of 3 years now

·         No transaction over Rs 3 lakh will be allowed in cash

·         Tax rate for companies with an annual turnover up to 50 crores to be reduced to 25%, to strengthen MSME sector:

 

Infrastructure

·         Total allocation for infrastructure stands at a record level Rs 3,96,135 crore in 2017-18

·         Allocation for national highways stepped up to Rs 64,000 cr from Rs 57,676 cr 

·         Rs 2000 Cr announced for coastal road connectivity - essentially to enhance connectivity to ports & coastal villages

·         Rs27,000 crore on to be spend on Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana; 

 

Railways

·         Railways to focus on 4 major areas 1. Passenger safety 2. Capital and development work 3. Cleanliness 4. Financial and accounting reforms

·         Railways plan size for 2017-18 pegged at Rs. 1,31,000 crore

·         Railway line of 3,500 km will be commissioned in 2017-18 as against 2,800 km in 2016-17

·         For rail passenger safety, a fund of 1 lakh crores will be allocated over the next 5 years 

·         500 stations will be made differently abled friendly with lifts and escalator

·         Government proposes Coach Mitra facility to redress grievances related to rail coaches

·         Indian Railways plans to feed about 7000 stations with solar power in the next few years

·         Service charge on e-tickets booked through IRCTC will be withdrawn

·         Railway tariffs to be fixed on the basis of cost, social obligation and competition; 

·         State run companies like IRCON and IRCTC to be listed in markets

 

 

Defence

·         Defence allocation of Rs 2.74 lakh crore

 

 

Agriculture

·         Total allocation for rural, agricultural & allied sectors for 2017-18 a record 1,87,223 cr, up by 24%:

·         Allocation under MNREGA increased to 48,000 crore from Rs 38,500 crore 

·         Rs 9,000 cr higher allocation for payment of sugarcane arrears 

·         Govt to set up dairy processing fund of Rs 8,000 crore over three years with initial corpus of Rs 2,000 crore 

·         Modern law on contract farming will be drafted and circulated to states 

·         Dedicated micro-irrigation fund to be set up by NABARD to achieve mission of Per Drop, More Crop 

·         Coverage of Fasal Bima Yojana to go up from 30 pc of cropped area to 40 pc in 2017-18 and 50 per cent next year 

 

Housing

·         To construct one crore houses by 2019 for homeless.

·         PM Awas Yojana allocation raised from Rs 15,000 cr to Rs 23,000 cr 

 

Trade & Commerce

·         Trade Infrastructure Export Scheme to be launched in 2017-18 

·         Basic customs duty on LNG to be reduced from 5% to 2.5%

 

 

Ease of doing business

·         Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) will be abolished. 90% of FDI coming through automatic route.

 

Digital India

·         AadharPay, a merchant version of Aadhaar-enabled payment system to be launched shortly for those without debit cards, mobile phones

·         Allocation of Rs 10,000 cr for Bharat Net project for providing high-speed broadband in FY18 

·         By end of FY 2017-18 high speed broadband connectivity on optic fibres will be available in more than 1,50,000 gram panchayats

·         Digi Gaon initiative will be launched to provide tele-medicine, education & skills through digital technology:

 

Skill Development & Empowerment

·         600 districts to get Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK) for skilling youth for opportunities

·         “SANKALP” for Livelihood Promotion Programme to be Launched at a cost of Rs. 4000 Crores 

·         Mahila Shakti Kendras to be set up at village level, in 14 lakh ICDS centres, with an allocation of Rs. 500 crore

·         Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana lending target has been doubled at Rs 2.44 lakh crore for 2017-18

 

Political funding

·         Max. amount of cash donation a political party can receive to be 2000 rupees from any one source

·         Political parties will be entitled to receive donation by cheque or in digital mode, from their donors

·         Amendment to RBI Act proposed to enable electoral bonds

 

Tourism

·         5 special tourism zones,anchored on SPV, to be set up;Incredible India 2.0 campaign to be launched across the world

 

HRD

·         National Testing Agency to be established to conduct all entrance exams for higher education:

·         Innovation Fund for secondary education to be created

·         Two new AIIMS to be set up Jharkhand and Gujarat 

·         “SWAYAM” Platform will be launched to leverage Information Technology. this will enable students to virtually attend the courses taught by the best faculty; access high quality reading resources, participate in discussion forums; take tests and earn academic grades. Access to SWAYAM would be widened by linkage with DTH channels, dedicated to education.

 

Welfare

·         For senior citizens, Aadhaar based health cards will be issued 

·         Allocation for welfare of women and children increased from Rs 1,56,528 crores in BE 2016-17 to Rs 1,84,632 crores in 2017-18 

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