We

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Vol-01. Issue-50. Bhopal. Monday Page-12. Price-`5/-

he State

SEPTEMBER 09 TO SEPTEMBER 15, 2013

POSTAL REGD. MP/BHOPAL/4-323/2013-15 RNI NO. MPENG\2012\46415

Why write nasty things on us?: Taliban asked writer before killing her

Film industry is an insecure place: Kangana Ranaut

Dethrone arrogant Cong regime,

says Modi
B
RAIPUR
JP leader and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged people to dethrone an arrogant Congress regime by democratic method as it has ruined and devastated the country . Addressing a rally from the Red Fortshaped dais, dubbed as the biggest-ever gathering in Chhattisgarh's tribal heartland Surguja, Modi unleashed a direct attack on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for heading an insensitive Government. He also took on Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his poverty is a state of mind remark. "The Congress' culture of arrogance is at its peak now. India's 1.25 billion people are fighting acute poverty and problems while its leaders are busy redefining poverty," Modi quipped in his 25-minute speech. Each of Modis statements against the Congress regime was cheered by massive crowds, which saw a sizeable attendance of women and youth. Stepping up the attack on the Congress Government at the Centre, Modi observed: "Each and every act of the Congress regime is reflecting its arrogance. The failure of Manmohan Singh has led to an economic downturn. The Rupee has landed in hospital where it is currently battling for life and death." He heaped praise on Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh for unleashing a wave of development in the State, which was plagued by backwardness. "There are two Singhs in the country - Raman Singh in Chhattisgarh and Manmohan Singh in New Delhi. Both are doctors, the only difference being Raman Singh is a doctor of 'insaan' (people)," Modi remarked drawing massive cheer. He hit out at the Central Government for missing the coal files. "Parliament is deliberating where the coal files have gone missing while the people of the country have been deliberating where the Congress regime has gone missing." He also took on Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi for making a mockery of people's problems and their poverty . Without naming the Gandhi scion, Modi remarked, "Congress leaders have lost touch with the public. Some Congress leaders have made slight of people's poverty by saying Rs 5 is enough to have a sustaining meal while one leader (Rahul Gandhi) pulled the biggest gag on the poor by saying 'poverty is a state of mind'." Modi further said that "he (Rahul) poured acid on poor people's plight and misery by making 'a state of mind' remark." Modi urged people to give another chance to Raman Singh in a fledgling Chhattisgarh which has witnessed all-round development during BJP regime since December 2003. "Chhattisgarh, which is just a 13-year-old, has led from the front in all sectors. Even the Supreme Court has advocated for a need for implementation of Chhattisgarh-like Food Security Scheme in the nation. I personally invited a team of Chhattisgarh officers to Gujarat to study the Chhattisgarh Food Security system and later implemented it in my State," Modi said. The rally at Ambikapur was organised by the BJP to mark end of a 6,000 km long Vikas Yatra of Raman Singh in the Assembly-poll bound State. The Vikas Yatra was launched onMay 6 from the Maoist-heartland Dantewada and was suspended for a few weeks after several Congress leaders were killed in a deadly attack on May 25.

How WE look it !

. . . C ar t o o n b y K G O JH A

kgo jha @red iff mail. com

BHOPAL September 9 to September 15, 2013

Capital

WE THE STATE

MP has highest percentage of kids on verge of starvation in country

tag. With 60% children underweight and malnourished, the state has highest percentage of children on the verge of starvation in the country . In just June this year, 1.62 lakh children in the state were found to critically malnourished. And this is just the tip of the iceberg as 14 lakh more kids were found to underfed. These figures are part of the June, 2013, report of the state women and child welfare department. And here's the shocker. At least 40,000 more children have joined the malnourished bracket despite the state government spending over Rs 4,000 crore in last 3 years on nutrition to children and pregnant women. While there's a spurt in annual expenditure on providing nutrition, the number of severely malnourished kids has risen from 1.21 lakh in June 2011 to 1.62 lakh in June, 2013, according to the monthly report of the women and child development department. And despite the rising graph, the number of children weighed at anganwadi centres for malnutrition remains stagnant. In 2011, around 61 lakh children were weighed through anganwadis across the state. In 2012, it rose to 76 lakh children and in 2013 it again dropped to 64 lakh children, the state government report states. The women and child development minister of Madhya Pradesh, Ranjana Baghel, that "we have brought down malnutrition." She cited a study conducted by National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) in 2010, saying "the NIN study stated that malnutrition in state has fallen". However, she refused to delve on the recent statistics of her own department. "I am not satisfied with the condition of children and we are working through various schemes like Atal Bal Mission to bring down malnutrition,"Baghel said. On November 30, last year the Union women and child development minister had informed the Lok Sabha that in 201011, over Rs 1,200 crores were spent under the Integrated Child Development Scheme and Rs 897 under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme in Madhya Pradesh. Over Rs 1500 crore was spent in 2011-12. This amounts to Rs 2787 crore spend on eradicating malnutrition in just two years. On expenditure incurred in 2012-13, an official at the woman and child welfare department said "we don't have exact figures, but more than Rs 1,300 crore has been spent." Officials of the department have also raised questions on the authenticity of their own figures. "An aanganwadi worker, who is not that efficient weighs and prepares data. These figures cannot be considered foolproof. No study has been conducted in the state after the National Family Health Survey of 2005-06," an official said. Even if we go by the NFHS-3 statistics, 60 % children below the age of 5 were found underweight in Madhya Pradesh. Principal secretary, women and child development department, B R Naidu said, "From this year, nutrition has also been included in the annual health survey which is conducted by the Union health ministry . Once this is done, we will have a clear picture. And if there are loopholes, we will work towards improving it, Naidu said.

M
BHOPAL

adhya Pradesh may be clocking the fastest GDP in the country, but it's sinking on the health index, thus making it impossible to shrug off its BIMARU

Direct SMS to voters to encourage bigger turnout in MP

BHOPAL: The Election Commission will for the first time directly relate to voters, motivating them to cast their vote during the Madhya Pradesh elections scheduled later this year. The poll panel will send SMSes to one crore voters, urging them to come out and vote. After the much-touted 'Pappu vote' campaign during the Delhi elections, EC has hit upon this ideaa tested poll strategy of big political parties to woo voters.

tories of exploitation of women are common in India, but the state capital of Madhya Pradesh witnessed a shameful tale of exploitation of a woman by her husband, who repeatedly forced her to be gang-raped by six other people who worked with the husband for a promotion at the workplace. As if this was not enough, the victim was also subjected to unnatural sex and physical abuse. The woman has accused her husband of repeatedly forcing her to prostitution before his friends in the state capital. The ordeal began when her husband, a peon working at Apex Bank, started beating her and allowed two of his friends to rape her. The ordeal began when her husband, a

Apex Bank peon forces wife to have sex with seniors for promotion
peon working at Apex Bank, started beating her and allowed two of his friends to rape her. She revealed to the police that in 2012, she was gang raped by four people, Om Patidar, Shivpal, Sunil and Ajay, and all this for promotion which the husband wanted. She also alleged that her husband wanted promotion and he made her have sex with the four which included a legal advisor of Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Bank (Apex bank). The victim alleged that her husband of 13 years exploited her by insisting on unnatural sex and then offering her to his friends. He beat her whenever she resisted to the demands of her husband. She said she had been Arvind Joshi, his wife and 16 others, on Saturday . Special judge Alka Dubey has posted the next hearing for September 28. Earlier, the court sent notices to 18 people in connection with confiscation of properties of IAS officer couple Arvind Joshi and Tinoo Joshi, his children, parents, family members and others in the Rs 44-crore dismade to take drugs and attempts were made to declare her mentally unstable. The husband threatened to kill her two children when she resisted. She was forced to take sleeping pills and injected with sedatives to curb any show of resistance from her. As she sank into depression due to being drugged constantly, her husband accused her of suffering from schizophrenia. The victims husband alleged that his wife had been receiving regular medical treatment from Dr Deepak Mansharmani practicing in Indore. The station officer of the police station where the victim has lodged the complaint said that a case of gang rape has been registered and all the seven accused, including the victims husband, apprehended. - Abha Ghani and Vibha Parkin - are yet to give their explanation. None of them appeared for the hearing. Other accused in the case are Arvind Joshi's children Asmi Joshi and Isaan Joshi, brother Rajeev Joshi, business partner SP Kohli his wife and children, industrialist Pawan Agrawal and Sridev Sharma, builder of Kamrup Housing Society, Guwahati. Only Joshi's business partner, SP Kohli, appeared in court and submitted his explanation. Kohli argued that he has not acquired illegal property . The counsel for Arvind Joshi contended the documents enclosed with the charge sheet were not clear. The Joshi couple have been charged under of Prevention of Corruption Act. Fifteen other accused have been charged under Section 109 (instigation) and Section 120 (conspiracy) of the IPC.

Election Commission's one-crore target has been built from a voter database created by panel officials. Efforts are on to increase the database. Assistant chief electoral officer Sanjay Singh Baghel said, "We have written to all district collectors to collect phone numbers of voters. As of now, we have contact details of one crore voters in Madhya Pradesh." "Through these SMSes, the electorate will be motivated to come out. Also, they will be informed about their polling booths and timings on Election Day. We will also ask them not to get influenced by liquor, money or muscle power of politicians during voting," Singh said. The SMS query format was started during the Karnataka assembly elections during which voters were given details about polling booths if they SMSed a particular number. But this is the first time SMSes will be sent to encourage voting and raise the turnout. "Our SMS gateway is already in place. Efforts are on to increase the database," the electoral officer said.

Rajasthan Govt creates 100 posts of Section Officers

The Government of Rajasthan has created 100 posts of Section Officers to be deputed in the offices of Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State in Rajasthan.

Over 2000 clerical posts vacant in Travancore bank

Over 2000 posts at clerical level have been lying vacant in State Bank of Travancore, Government of India undertaking.

BEAURAUCRACY

Hearing against IAS couple adjourned

The special court has again adjourned the hearing on confiscation of properties allegedly amassed by tainted IAS couple

NEWS
proportionate assets case. Investigations have shown that this is 3,151% more than his known source of income. Most of the accused, including Arvind Joshi and his sister's relatives living abroad

BHOPAL September 9 to September 15, 2013

Editorial

WE THE STATE

ASTROLOGY
11-09-2013- Wednesday- Bhadrapad Mah Shuklapaksh-Shasthi Positive direction -North and West Bad time - 12:24 pm to 1:56 pm Good time - 6:10 am to 9:18 am and 3:28 pm to 6:32 pm 12-09-2013-Thursday- Bhadrapad Mah Shuklapaksh-Saptmi Positive direction - North and West Bad time - 1:56 pm to 3:28 pm Good time - 6:10 am to 7:44 am and 10:52 am to 1:56 pm and 5:00 pm to 6:32 pm 13-09-2013- Friday- Bhadrapad Mah Shuklapaksh-Ashatmi Positive direction - East and North Bad time - 10:56 am to 12:24 pm Good time - 6:10 am to 10:56 am and 12:25 pm to 1:56 pm and 5:00 pm to 6:32 pm 14-09-2013- Saturday- Bhadrapad Mah Shuklapaksh-Navami (Dashami Tithi Kshay) Positive direction - East and North Bad time - 9:16 am to 10:56 am Good time -7:44 am to 9:15 am and 12:24 pm to 5:00 pm 15-09-2013- Sunday- Bhadrapad Mah Shuklapaksh-Ekadashi Positive direction- South and East Bad time - 5:00 pm to 6:31 pm Good time - 7:44 am to 12:24 pm and 1:56 pm to 3:28 pm 16-09-2013- Monday -Bhadrapad Mah Shuklapaksh-Dwadashi (Ekadashi Vratt) Positive direction-South and East Bad time - 7:44 am to 9:18 am Good time -6:09 am to 7:44 am and 9:19 am to 10:52 am and 1:56 pm to 6:31 pm 17-09-2013- Tuesday-Bhadrapad Mah Shuklapaksh-Trayodashi (Pradosh) Positive direction-North and West Bad time - 3:28 pm to 5:00 pm Good time - 9:18 am to 1:56 pm By AACHARYA SARVESH E-Mail: acharya.sarvesh@yahoo.com Mobile: 9826609192

UPA's mismanagement of economy

and the rupee: What next?

it by a plunging rupee and tormented by the impending nightmare of managing oil imports as a consequence, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Veerappa Moily recently suggested that fuel pumps across the country should close at 8pm to minimise the use of fuel by consumers. As the stupidity of the idea dawned on the Minister, he quickly shifted the spotlight on people who, he claimed, had made the suggestion. He did not enlighten us on who these brilliant people' are; nevertheless he was grounded by the outburst of justified criticism. Moily appears to have taken a cue from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's speech in Parliament on August 30, in which Singh advised that the country must economise on the use of fuel. While the sentiment is laudable and there cannot be any dispute with the suggestion that motorists must curtail their expenditure on fuel, in their own and the country's interests, shutting down fuel pumps at eight in the evening is not the solution. Since people will still use as much fuel as they would want to,

you will have long queues throughout the day at fuel stations and altercations and anarchy . The basic question is: Why should the people be made to pay first with the rising price of oil and then with such imposed inconveniences for the Congress-led UPA Government's mismanagement of the economy and the rupee? Since Moilys idea (which he says is not his) has not found many takers even within his Government, it is unlikely to be implemented. But it does offer us an indication that the Government has reached the bottom of the pit in finding workable solutions to the economic crisis, and that more such outlandish brainwaves could be in the offing.

The regime's abject failure to contain the current account deficit, which is set to boom from the impact of a falling rupee, will have impact on the oil import bill. It has begun to affect our foreign policy too. There are reports that India is considering scaling up its oil import from Iran because it pays the latter in rupees. According to Moily, who has sent the proposal to the Prime Minister, by increasing the import of crude from Tehran, India can reduce its dollar outflow on the product by $8.5 billion. It must be remembered that New Delhi had drastically cut oil imports from Iran following US sanctions against the latter to the extent that Iran had slipped down in the list of our major oil importers, and Iraq had been the beneficiary . An unhappy Tehran got an opportunity to hit back when it seized an Indian ship near (but not into) its waters on the pretext that the ship was polluting Iranian waters. Since the ship was carrying crude bound for India from Iraq, many experts believe Tehran had acted out of spite. (Share your views at editor@wethestate.com)

Mumbais insatiable fondness for Ganesh Chaturthi

referred to as Chhota Rajans pandal. Politicians, of course, cannot afford to stay out not only do they fund pandals generously, they also walk the pious talk with daylong, sometimes night-long, visits to pandals, playing chief guest, chief patron, vote-seeker, promiser of bigger-better festivities and more. To draw in the crowds, there are the hooks: The tallest (the idol at Khetwadi 11th Road stands at 28 feet this year), the most relevant (themes range from drought to floods in Uttarakhand) and other sundry superlatives. What is it about Ganpati or Ganesh Chaturthi that makes us so breathless? Contrast the festivities with daily realities of life in Mumbai: Public spaces have shrunk to unintelligible levels and Mumbaiites have long forgotten the historical experience of the citys colonial heritage, of the wide open Esplanade stretching from Azad Maidan till Cooperage. Wide income disparities and a continual marginalisation of the urban poor means that for many, access to public space for shared celebrations is almost nil. The ten days of now-or-never revelry are completely different from the daily mundane. The idol immersion get-togethers make it completely acceptable to dance on the roads, the Nashik dhols drowning out the humdrum in a public celebration thats ever more commercial, more dependent on sponsorships, more acceptable of the ribald even. Add to that the growing supply of city folk seeking divine intervention believing in miracles even to set things right, and you have the ten days of quietly suffered traffic jams, noise pollution and fresh potholes from pandal-poles lodged deep in the tarmac. Until next year, until a bigger, better, louder, richer Ganesh festival.

GENERAL VASTU TIPS

It is not at all good to keep a mirror in the kitchen. Never keep a broom at any visible part of the room, not even in the kitchen. The dining room should never face the front door of the house. The living room wall should have a happy family picture on it. The doors and windows of the room must open up outward.

he worlds most pricey real estate, the countrys worst population densities, the worlds most expensive home, the countrys largest slum population, maximum tax revenues Mumbaiites like their citys superlatives . So its befitting I guess that the numbers should not disappoint when we refer to the citys favourite festive spectacle. So, here goes: Whats the capacity of Tokyos proposed helmet-shaped space-age stadium for the 2020 Olympics? Eighty thousand. Number of daily visitors to the Tirupati Balaji temple, believed to be the countrys richest deity? 1 lakh. Population of a small country, say Trinidad & Tobago? 13 lakh. And how many Mumbaikars celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi? Fifteen to twenty lakh visitors expected to a single idol, Lalbaugcha Raja, over ten days, with as many as five lakh visitors on a single day. And how many idols does Mumbai have to select from? In 2005, there were 8,800 sarvajanik Ganesh mandals (or-

ganisers of idol-displays for public viewing). That number is now 11,400. Over 1,80,000 smaller idols, mainly installed by households and cooperative housing societies, will be immersed in the Arabian Sea off Girgaum Chowpatty with about 15 lakh people visiting the beach through the day, not to mention the millions watching from vantage points and on television screens. The money involved is mind-boggling too Rs 4 crore in sponsorships for a single major mandal, Rs 3 crore cited as the cost to conduct the 10-day spectacle, Rs 222-crore insurance for another idol. Nobody wants to be left out of the fun, it seems. Not Bollywood, not corporates who handed out donations despite their woes, not even underworld dons, who had their own pandals when the ganglands were a feared Mumbai reality Varadarajan Mudaliar had one in Matunga, a pandal in Chembur is still

BHOPAL September 9 to September 15, 2013

Politics

WE THE STATE

Digvijay to remain away from election scene in state, reins in hands of Nath, Scindia
the state come has come to the fore with the announcement of election- related committees of the party . It has become clear that Digvijay Singh would not play a significant role in the Congress poll efforts. Mohan Prakash had suggested to Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi to keep Singh away from the election scene in the state. He had also advised Gandhi to use Singh indirectly . The committees have been constituted accordingly . The reins of elections have been given to Union minister Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia. Although Congress has not projected Scindia as its chief ministerial candidate but his appointment as chief of election campaign committee is like challenging chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan. Kamalnath, who has been made convener of all the committees, is being projected as leader of Congress team in the upcoming elections. In a way , Congress high command has given a clue that if the party comes to power, then either Kamalnath or Jyotiraditya would be made chief minister. Digvijay Singh, two years ago was given command of the party in the state. As per his wish, Kantilal Bhuria was made partys state president and Ajay Singh was made leader of opposition. The latest developments in the party clearl show that Bhuria and Singh are now lagging behind in the race for chief minister. The reason behind Congress not projecting Digvijay is that the BJP has prepared its election campaigning targeting Digvijay . Although attempt has been made to pacify Digvijay by giving place to his followers in these committees, Digvijay not being at the forefront of the elections might affect the morale of his followers. Sources said the declaration of these committees was pending because of Digvijays opposition to Scindias name. Finally, Mohan Prakash had his way and Diggy was sidelined.

BHOPAL

he impact of replacement of BK Hariprasad with Mohan Prakash as AICC general secretary in charge of

Scindia not to be projected as CM; poll panels announced with consensus of Cong satraps
BHOPAL

Savita Bhabhi to join Congress? Rozlyn Khan spotted in Parliament

nion Minister of state for Energy (independent charge) Jyotiraditya Scindia, who has been named president of Congress election campaign committee, would not be projected as partys Chief Ministerial candidate. Union minister Kamalnath was taken into confidence on this matter and only then did the state president Kantilal Bhuria and leader of opposition Ajay Singh agreed to hand over the reins of campaign to Scindia, said highly- placed sources. It has been agreed upon, sources say, that the selection of its chief minister in the state will be made based on the opinion of the MLAs, as was done in Karnataka recently. Consensus was reached among top Congress leaders on this formula evolved by the Congress high command and subsequently, the committees were declared. Former chief minister Digvijay Singh, who has not been included in partys election campaign, would be given importance in distribution of tickets. Kamalnath will look after coordination in all factions in the party and pacify its leaders. Congress is preparing a strategy to grill chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and his ministers and it is busy in making plan for aggressive campaigning. Election campaigning would focus on public meetings as well as media management. Publicity material would be prepared in this month and everything possible will be done to put the government in the dock, Digvijay and Bhuria were not ready to project chief ministerial candidate prior to assembly election results. On the other hand, Scindia wanted command of election campaign committee as well as his projection as chief ministerial candidate. Sources said Kamalnath was instrumental in Digvijay and Scindia arrive consensus on the point that decision of chief minister would be made after election results. Sources also said that Bhuria is said to be unhappy with this decision.

Inherited hostility may prevent Scindia, Ajay from joining hands

yotiraditya Scindia will face a tough time in developing good rapport with leader of opposition, Ajay Singh in comparison to other leaders in the party. Jyotiraditya Scindias father, Madhvarao Scindia and Ajay Singhs father, Arjun Singh never saw eye to eye. It would be difficult for the party to ensure harmony between Jyotiraditya and Ajay. Scindia is not that strong in Vindhya region and he needs Singhs support there. Although, Scindia in the past was also supported by former assembly speaker, Shrinivas Tiwari.

NEW DELHI
ctress Rozlyn Khan, who is known for her role as Savita Bhabhi, visited Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan wearing a white transparent shirt. Rozlyn turned quite a few heads in Parliament and said, she had come to see 'netas' (politicians) at work. Asked whether she was joining Congress party, Rozlyn replied, "Let's see what will happen and no one invited me, I just came randomly, just to meet parliamentarians. I want to see how leaders are working."

Asked about the rise in cases of rape and her remark about castration of rapists, she said, "The biggest problem in India is safety of a woman. There is no fear of law and system among goons.... Rapists should be punished in such a manner that it becomes a lesson for others." The porn toon Savita Bhabhi has roped in Bollywood actress Rozlyn Khan to star in his latest online comics She is the first Bollywood actor to have her own web-comic. Deshmukh has signed an agreement with Rozlyn Khan to license out her name and likeness in the exchange of royalties.

BHOPAL September 9 to September 15, 2013

Feature

WE THE STATE

Keep the change!

SWECHCHHA OJHA

E-mail: swechchhaojha@gmail.com
e joined a new job, was soon going to move to a new city, got engaged for marriage with a girl and will soon have to deal with numerous changes, all at once. And he had no idea how he was going to handle any of these. Things got even worse when he started to look for an apartment in the new city and everything was going so fast and nothing was clear as to what to do. So many changes and that too all at once! He was totally befuzzled. Not that he wasnt smart enough to take care of changing things, not that he wasnt willing to progress in life, it was just one simple thing, he was willing to change but whenever a change came into his life, he was totally haywire as to what to do in order to adapt the change into his life. Everything was so new and changed and different that he couldnt decide how to react at the change. Not that he wasnt okay with the changes, but just that he was comfortable with the old set up, and coming out of that comfortable place made him confused if he was happy or sad. I dont know if this happens with everyone or not, but I know it is not a very good situation to be in. The person who lands in such a situation is happy and sad, anxious and subtle, content

and incomplete, all at the same time and you know, having such contradictory feelings altogether is not at all a comfortable situation to be in. Sure change is inevitable, and we must deal with it, which requires us to change the way we deal with things, but it doesnt at all mean that we should change ourselves with it. We must always remain the person we are, no matter if everything changes or things remain the same. No doubt when there are changes in our life or even just in our plans and schedules, we sometimes find ourselves in the situation that I showed in the instance above. But who said that this situation is permanent and will never change? If all things change and even the situation we are in right now is because of some change, how is it possible that the situation will remain intact? Even this situation will change and we will come out with flying colours and may be someday we will even love the new! And then it really seems true to think: Nothing remains permanent, if happiness is not going to stay forever and even sadness is a temporary phase, then not even change itself is permanent, and the effects of every change are also short lived. We are all very fast adapting to changes without even knowing that the change itself

is mixing itself up with our lives and we are feeling less affected day by day by the feelings that the change brought to us! If one is strong enough to adapt with this temporary situation, even the change itself cannot make them suffer or feel confused as to what to feel, happiness or sadness, fear or safety, good or bad, gifted or challenged! And anyway, if thought another way round, will it not be boring if life was always the same and there were no changes, nothing new, nothing to look forward to, nothing that is worth changing ourselves for, nothing that comes suddenly and gives us a chance to get surprised and hurry up and make the necessary changes for? All this is an essential ingredient to an exciting life, an extraordinary adventure that is called life, a life which if someone observes from a distance feels like there is a party going on! There is not just one person who is living his life just to live, there is a life going on there! When they see you they should not see someone who is doing whatever hes made to do, but someone who does what he does for the fun of doing it, for the excitement that it brings on! And change, is an inevitable part of such a wonderful life! For even if we are walking on a road and we do not turn our feet when the road turns, we are definitely going to end up hitting a wall or a car or even fall down a

hole! Even small changes sometimes prove to be very important for bigger happiness in life, and sometimes even a small stubbornness can prove to be the reason for the biggest failure! So its right to adapt changes and mould ourselves in order to get suited with the changes. But it is also true that a lot of times, when we try to change ourselves just in order to suit ourselves to the situation, we sometimes end up changing ourselves from inside, and that is the time when we cross the line beyond which we cannot find the sweet old ourselves ever again. That is the line that we never should cross!! Sure change is inevitable and it is the rule for success, we must follow it, but we must not let it rule ourselves!! So, when we say we need to change ourselves with changes, we actually mean we change the way we see things, we just need to change the way we deal with things, not the way we live our life, not who we are!! A change only comes in order to make us a better person, not to change the person we are! Change is the rule of progress, it is not, in anyway, the ruler of our life! So why change ourselves? Why ruin the one who we love? So if we know that change may be the ruler, but its not our Ruler, why not just be who we are and adapt the change keeping the person in us intact. Be happy, be yourself and just Keep the Change!! :)

The Domino Effect

KARTIKA DUBEY E-mail: kartikad02@gmail.com e live in India therefore its better to take things as the majority of Indians take it. Here the word Domino is understood as some incomplete pronunciation for the leading pizza cafe, but its pleasing to be informative at least to some of the natives. The domino effect is a very significant term in the English dictionary, which refers to an event leading to another similar event and which in turn leading to series of parallel events. To represent it practically let us exampalize by relating it to describe the countrys present scenario as a reason of some domino effect. This effect has been prevalent since ages but we still wait for the time when the same had any positive turnouts; but the positive results are the only ones having the most punctual expiry dates in our homeland. Hazares moment expired soon with two satyagrahs after which the constructive ended and nega-

tive show games emerged. Protests against Delhi gang rape resulted in cities with serious traffic jam problems having more intense reasons other than faulty lanes for the first time, but that also eventually found its negative turn when political parties washed their hands in the flow of true public emotions infecting the interests. It is bookiversal that secret of a perfect living is to think all the time about it and work for it; one good deed leads to another one or humorously one orgasm leads to second, then why is it that these positive starts of the domino effect ends leads to only poly negative things. Rape lead to Rapes, strike leads to strikes but why it isnt that a man using a public toilet leads to more such men? Why a corner of a road should become a pleasurable peeing point? Why there arent graffitis on walls? But there is always one pam-

phlet sticking escorting to another poster plantation? Why does the garbage picking paves way to more dirt and not an increased sense of civilization? Everything in the world needs to have a balance, our both ears have to work in balance to let us walk properly, negatives must be countered by equal positives. But we are India planning to be out of the world as here negative rules. We were born as human, better mould this reality from now on we were born as hormones some

grow up for maiming, some for complaining and very few for developing. In our country this domino effect has more leisure in negative side. Some hoping soles wish the day when justice would lead to justice and dirt would lead to dustbins. That kind of delicious domino effect has always been awaited; and lets wish this is not this is not the type of article you read after 5 years.

Raipur-Durg metro rail link gets DC nod

dav, commissioner, state urban development authority (SUDA) confirmed that DC has approved the construction of the first phase of this project. He said the DC would submit its DPR, which could take six to eight months. Giving details of the project, Himshikhar Gupta, additional CEO for this project said the total rail link would be of 90 kms and it's likely to benefit a large section of about 36 lakh commuters who are likely to commute between Durg and Raipur every month by 2021. At present, about 28 lakh people commute between the two cities every month. Gupta said second phase of the metrol rail project would include the link between Durg and Rajnandgaon and the final phase would connect the old and Naya Raipur. He said the project includes construction of residential and commercial complexes around the route of the rail link.

BHOPAL September 9 to September 15, 2013

Region

WE THE STATE

RAIPUR hhattisgarh government's move to modernize mass transport system for its capital and adjoining cities got a shot in the arm with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DC) giving a final nod for construction of the inter-state metro rail link connecting Raipur and Durg. DC completed the feasibility study and has recommended for a detailed project report (DPR) that would see the metro rail chugging out of the city by 2021. It is learnt that the study has advised an elevated rail corridor with a mix of underground corridor as well. The first phase of the intercity project from Telibandha in Raipur to Poolgaon in Durg, a 45-km stretch with 20 stations, would cost an estimated Rs 6,000 crore. Work on it would commence once the Chhattisgarh government approves the DPR. The cost of the entire project, to be completed in three phases, is estimated at Rs 20,000 crore. Rohit Ya-

Chhattisgarh gets Chhattisgarh now a giver

National Literacy Award State: Raman Singh
V
ikas Yatra reached Balarampur, bordering district of Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh, where Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh dedicated various development works and laid foundation stones for more than 26 works worth Rs 834 lakhs recently . On this occasion, CM Singh distributed 2000 saris to Tendu leaves pluckers / collectors, 40 solar lamps and sewing machines to 20 beneficiaries. He has allocated 1000 sprayers to farmers and 3 fishing nets to fish cultivators in a huge public meeting at Wadraf Nagar. He also handed 3 tractors and 20 pattas under the Forest Rights Act on the occasion. Addressing a huge public gathering at Wadrafnagar, a small town of Balrampur district, CM Singh said that Chhattisgarh is a fast growing State. For peace and prosperity we are advancing in a planned manner, executing our various schemes in a way that ensures sustainable development, so that it may become a foundation for generations to come, he added. At one point of time Chhattisgarh was known as backward State but now has proved that it has acquired potential to advance with a strong infrastructures needed to grow with stride , he added. Singh stated that Chhattisgarh is now stand strong enough and become a giver State, more than seven states are consumers of rice produced in Chhattisgarh. He said we succeed reaching up to the last man of the poor society and could ensure the access of the benefits of the various schemes meant for them. Singh also said that State Government has bought 71 lakh metric ton of paddy from the farmers of the State, allocated 1900 Crore paddy crop bonus to the farmers. These measures have brought radical change into the life of our farmers. He even assured farmers fraternity that they need not bother about anything. State Government ensured the medical treatment up to Rs 30,000 for free to each of its citizen.

hhattisgarh received the prestigious National Literacy Awards for attaining remarkable achievements in the field of literacy. Chhattisgarh has been awarded in the state category for successful implementation of Sakshar Bharat Mission in 23 out of 27 districts of the state. Beside, Korea district and Patna gram panchayat of Baikunthpur block of the state have also been awarded in district and gram panchayat categories. Chhattisgarh School Education Minister

Brijmohan Agrawal received the award from President Pranab Mukherjee on the occasion of International Literacy Day at Vigyan Bhawan here. Korea District Panchayat President Chamma Devi Singh Pawle and Sarpanch of Patna Gram Panchayat Gayatri Singh received the awards from the President in the respective categories. Union Human Resource and Development Minister M M Pallam Raju, Minister of State for HRD Shashi Tharoor and Jitin Prasada were present at the function.

He said thousands of lives have been saved by the 108 Sanjeevni Express ambulances keep vigil of the health of the people, round the clock. Similarly 300 Mahatari express also pushed into the service to take care and cater to the needs of pregnant women which reached to your door steps after dialling 102. Present in the occasion were the Home Minister of the State and Minister in-charge of the district Nankiram K anvar, Water Resource Minister Ram Vichar Netam, Industries Minister Rajesh Munat, Member of Parliament Murarilal Singh and president Zila panchayat Pushpa Netam, besides others.

BHOPAL September 9 to September 15, 2013

Glamour

WE THE STATE

Film industry is an insecure place: Kangana Ranaut

Actress Kangana Ranaut, who has no film background, says the film industry is not a secure place to be in. She says there are times when she has movie offers, but there are days when she has no projects in hand. "I won't say I don't want to be where I am today, but the industry is an insecure place to be in. This industry is like one fine day you get up and you get a call for work and at times you don't get work for six months. It's not just about me. I think everybody has their own insecurities," Kangana told IANS. She said that it is nice to have her elder sister Rangoli around. "I have been without my family in this city (Mumbai) for a long time so it's nice to have your family around. My sister works with me. She handles my work, manages everything and I only act," said the 26-year-old. "Its not about me being successful or unsuccessful ... no matter what happens, she is always there for me. It's a great feeling. This industry is a place which can tend to be an insecure place so it's good to have somebody around who doesn't judge you," she added. Kangana has made a place for herself in the Hindi film industry, but she has one regret. "I have learnt everything here, but my only regret is that I wish I had better guidance in the beginning of my career. I wish somebody was there to guide me. The place where I come from, they don't give much importance to art. I didn't know how to behave or what expectations people have from me," she said. Kangana, who impressed audiences with her acting skills in movies like "Gangster", "Fashion" and "Tanu Weds Manu", is also praised for her fashion sense. She says her inspiration comes from "old Hollywood". "I don't have any fashion guru as such, but I travel a lot and take inspiration from different places. Old Hollywood is my all-time inspiration," said the curly haired beauty who is looking forward to the last quarter of 2013. "(The year) 2013 so far has been dull, but towards the end it's exciting. I have some good films coming up so I am really looking forward to it," she said. She will be soon seen in superhero movie "Krrish 3".

An actor should do films for audience: Shahid Kapoor Salman Khan to

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor, who is looking forward to his next release 'Phata Poster Nikla Hero', believes an actor should do films for the audience. The 32-year-old made his Bollywood debut with 2003 release 'Ishq Vishk' and later gave hits like 'Vivah', 'Kaminey' and 'Jab We Met'. However, he also faced tough time on box-office with films like 'Teri Meri Kahaani' and 'Mausam'. "Every actor has hits and flops but the most important thing for the actor is 'whether the audiences want to watch you (on-screen), they like you? If the audiences like or reject your films, you can change, you can improve your choices but if the audiences don't want to see you, then that's a big problem," Shahid said here in an interview. "So you should always do the films for your audience and you should always have a relationship with your audience," he added. Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, 'Phata Poster Nikla Hero' is slated to release Sep 20. The movie also features actress Ileana D'Cruz, who made her Bollywood debut with 'Barfi!'.

celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at sister's house?

uperstar Salman Khan has been welcoming Lord Ganesh at his Bandra Galaxy apartment here. But after more than a decade, he will reportedly celebrate the Ganesh Chaturthi at his sister Arpita's apartment in Bandra, this year. The festival, dedicated to Lord Ganesh, starts on Monday and will continue till September 20. If sources are to be believed, the Dabangg star was planning to host Ganesh Utsav at his Panvel farm house, but due to renovation work he had to change the venue and celebrate the festival at sister Arpita's residence. Besides him, Bollywood stars like Govinda, Jitendra, Bappi Lahiri, Shilpa Shetty, Nana Patekar, Vivek Oberoi, Sonu Sood and Shreyas Talpade are known to celebrate Ganesh festival at their residence.

BHOPAL September 9 to September 15, 2013

Must Read

WE THE STATE

Arvind Kejriwal will be kingmaker in Delhi Assembly elections I

n the forthcoming assembly elections in Delhi, Activist-turned Politician Arvind Kejriwal will play kingmakers role as Opinion poll has predicted hung assembly in the state. According to an opinion poll conducted by a private news channel, without support from Arvind Kejriwals Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) no political party will be able to form the new government in Delhi. The opinion poll has predicted that Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) will emerge as single largest party with 32 seats out of 70-member house. On the other hand, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshits dream to regain the power for consecutive fourth term is hanging in uncertainty as Congress is looking to bag just 27 seats in the Delhi Assembly elections 2013, scheduled to be held in OctoberNovember. Arvind Kejriwals newly formed political outfit AAP has been emerging as major gainer in Delhi Assembly polls. AAP is expected to claim eight seats while other will

win three seats. It is loss of 16 seats to Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit-led Congress government in Delhi while gain of nine seats for BJP. As par the Opinion poll, no political outfit either BJP or Congress is getting absolute majority (the magic number in Delhi Assembly is 36) in the Delhi Assembly elections 2013. In such circumstances, Arvind Kejriwals support becomes crucial to form the next government for both BJP and Congress. As AAP has already announced political war against BJP and Congress over the corruption issues, it becomes interesting to see to whom Kejriwal will pick his first political ally post elections. Though in politics, it is well known fact that there is no permanent foe or friends but Kejriwal will have a tough time to choose one from BJP and Congress. Because, he is being targetting both BJP and Congress in his poll manifesto and campaigns.

Communal riots in Muzaffarnagar, Politics at play

WHAT LED TO THE COMMUNAL UNREST ?
1. The clash occurred over the alleged incident of eve teasing. The situation started deteriorating since August 27, when two youths of the Jat community were beaten to death in Kawaal village, under Jaansath tehsil of Muzaffarnagar. One youth from the minority community was also killed in the clash. 2. In order to protest the incident, the Jat community organized a 'panchayat' at Jaansath town on August 31. The panchayat demanded action against the culprits responsible for the murder of the two Jat youths. The panchayat also demanded the removal of the Superintendent of Police of Shamli district for his allegedly partisan conduct. 3. The Khap panchayat then announced to organize a ' Bahu Beti Samaan Bachaoi Mahapanchyat' on September 7, at Nagla Mandaur, if their demands were not met. The panchayat was organized by the Jat community at Nagla Mandaur, 20 km from Muzaffarnagar city, where over 1.5 lakh people from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi participated. 4. The participants in the panchayat raised "highly provocative slogans". 5. Those going to participate in the 'mahapanchyat' were allegedly attacked and fired upon at Basee village on Saturday. 6. The district administration allegedly failed to take measures to prevent the people from Haryana and Delhi from reaching the venue of the 'mahapanchayat'. 7. On September 5, the BJP had also given a call for Muzaffarnagar bandh. 8. The situation worsened on Saturday following incidents of firing, stone pelting and violence in which IBN7 journalist Rajesh Verma and a part-time photographer of the state police, Israr, were killed. 9. One of the inception points for the violence is a video posted online that wrongly claims to show two men being lynched by a mob in the state. At a press conference on Sunday, Home Secretary Kamal Saxena said that the "fake video", posted on YouTube and other social networks, was at least two years old and appears not to have been filmed in Uttar Pradesh. 10. The video claims to capture the killing in a village named Kawal on August 27.

MUZAFFARNAGAR (UTTAR PRADESH) The bloody communal clashes in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district have left 26 people dead. Uttar Pradesh Governor BL Joshi has pulled up the Akhilesh Yadav government and has singled out the local administration for failing to maintain peace in a report sent to the Home Ministry on Sunday night. The UP Governor has also called for more police presence in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining areas. Curfew remained in force in Civil Lines, Kotwali and Nai Mandi areas of the district with Army carrying out a flag march in the troubled areas. Schools

and colleges are shut for the next three days. Five companies of the PAC and as many of RAF and police have also been deployed. Politics is at play over the Muzzafarnagar riots. The Bharatiya Janata Party is sending a fact-finding team to visit Muzaffarnagar despite prohibitory orders by the Uttar Pradesh administration. The 3-member fact finding team of the BJP, headed by Ravi Shankar Prasad is headed to Muzzafarnagar. The Akhilesh Yadav government in the state too is under fire for the deteriorating law and order situation. The RLD and the BSP have demanded Akhilesh's resignation and have sought president's rule in the state.

BHOPAL September 9 to September 15, 2013

Investment Scheme Frauds
Small investors, who are wary of stock market volatility but still aspire for returns higher than bank fixed deposits, are easy targets to fraudulent investment schemes which promise them a fortune. The greed to make 'easy' and quick money is so intense it often overpowers their elementary financial wisdom. Take it as victory of 'greed' over good sense! A simple arithmetic would demonstrate that the returns promised by these schemes are not only impossible to gain but also unrealistic, with no or very little clarity on the business model explained to target investors.

Commerce

WE THE STATE

Shape up, or well ship out: India Inc warns UPA

Modus operandi
These schemes generally operate on similar models, assured high returns, offer to pay in installments and pay the first few returns as promised so that more investors are attracted through word-of-

FINANCIAL

mouth publicity . Most of these schemes operate under the disguise of multi-level marketing (MLM). They market their schemes aggressively, mostly in rural and semi-rural areas, where awareness levels are low. They also use a network of agents, who are offered high commissions.

FRAUDS

Ponzi scheme or pyramid scheme

A scheme in which investors are paid from money collected from new investors instead of the scheme's earnings. It works as long as new investors keep coming flowing in and. These are named after Charles Ponzi, an Italian who conned investors in the US and Canada.

What is MLM?
Multi-level marketing (MLM) is a direct sales strategy under which the agent is compensated for not only selling products of the company but also recruiting new salespersons under him. This creates a hierarchy of salespersons, who sell directly to end-users. These ventures are also known as pyramid schemes. In a fraudulent MLM scheme, the focus is not on products that you sell but the number of members you recruit.

What to look for?

Abnormally high 'guaranteed' returns: Let's face the truth. Returns are directly proportional to risk, that is, the higher the return, the higher is the risk. So, there are no 'guaranteed' high return products. If any scheme promises you abnormally (say 40-50 per cent every year) high returns consistently, it's the first sign of an investment fraud in the making.

High initial investment

As there is no independent source of income, such schemes demand a high initial investment and uses this money for day-to-day operations, to pay for promoters' profits and give the initial returns promised to investors.

Complicated and Vague schemes

If the representative of a company approaches you with a lucrative scheme, ask him the investment strategy they plan to follow. If he gives a vague and complicated investment strategy, and you are not convinced with his explanations, it is quite likely you are dealing with a con. As a golden rule, do not invest in schemes you do not understand.

Unsustainable business model

The company promising you 'incredibly' high returns must have a sound business model. Are you convinced with it? Does it have sustainable cash flow from core operations, whatever they are? If the answer to these two questions is no, or if you are not convinced, walk away .

fter the rapid slide in the rupee this year, the message from the countrys corporate titans to the government is clear: shape up and fix the problems or more companies will expand their business abroad and deprive the economy of investment. Many, such as entrepreneur Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, are already doing just that. Ranked by Forbes as one of the worlds most powerful women, she is investing about $200 million in a manufacturing plant in Malaysia for her biotechnology firm Biocon to offset unreliable power and water supplies back home. It already makes more than half its sales overseas. If India had better infrastructure and more availability of power I may not have gone abroad, said Shaw, who followed in her fathers footsteps with a masters degree in brewing in Australia before setting up Biocon in her garage in Bangalore 35 years ago. We dont have enough power, we dont have enough water. So some of these projects where we need water and power, I will do it in Malaysia because thats where it is abundant, Shaw, who is ranked 92 in Indias rich list with a net worth of $625 million, told Reuters in an interview She is one of many top entrepreneurs voicing frustration that policymakers failed to keep economic reforms rolling over the past decade, which they contend would have prevented India from stumbling into its deepest economic crisis since 1991, when it was forced to pledge the countrys gold reserves in exchange for international loans. Economic growth has almost halved in pace to less than 5 percent in the past six years, a flood of cash leaving the country has led to a record current account deficit and combined with a rout of emerging markets, has sent the rupee into a tail spin. At its record low of 68.85 per dollar in late August, it was down around 20 percent from the end of 2012, the worst performer among Asias currencies. It has since risen slightly to 65.24. The lack of reform and infrastructure, painfully slow decision making and red tape are common complaints of corporate India, but this time they could come at a cost as the rupee crisis shows businesses how vulnerable they are. The political cost could hit the Congress-led ruling coalition at national elections that must be called by May . An opinion poll on Friday showed nearly three-quarters of Indian business leaders want opposition figure Narendra Modi to run the coun-

try after the election. Modi is in the political ascendancy after turning the western state of Gujarat into the countrys economic star with double-digit growth and investor friendly policies. The economic cost is underlined by Indian Incs overseas direct investment. Including bank guarantees issued to overseas units, it stood at more than $21 billion in the first seven months of this year, up 38 percent from the same period of 2012. That is set to increase as Indian companies see the advantages of diversifying globally . In a bid to reduce its dependence on a slowing Indian auto market and get a foothold in China and the United States, Apollo Tyres agreed in June to pay $2.5 billion for U.S.-based Cooper Tire & Rubber Co , which was nearly three times its own market value at that time. Yusuf Hamied, the billionaire chief of drugmaker Cipla , which in July completed the acquisition of South Africas Cipla Medpro for about $460 million, is expanding his companys base in Algeria and Morocco as part of a North Africa thrust. Aditya Birla Group, the $40 billion diversified conglomerate that gets more than half its sales from overseas operations, plans to invest $1 billion setting up a chemical plant in the United States, local media reported last month. A spokeswoman for the group, whose business interests range from mining and metals to financial services and telecoms, was unavailable to comment.

Ask for proper regulatory approvals

Being a registered company or an ISO-certified company does not give an entity permission to mobilise public money. It needs approval from either Sebi or RBI. Do not issue cheques in the name of a third party: Issue payment advice only in the name of a bank or an institution and not any individual or third party. Do not issue blank cheques or sign on blank papers.

Walmart contemplating ending India partnership with Bharti

NEW DELHI
The American multinational retail corporation Walmart is speculated to have decided to part its ways from Indias Bharti Enterprises over its cashand-carry joint venture (JV) according to media reports. The two giants announced their JV Best Price Modern Wholesale in November 2006. It is believed that Walmart is in talks with Bharti to sell off its equity in the JV . Back in 2006, foreign corporations were not allowed to directly invest in India; thus, Walmart used to operate through franchises. The project is divided into two segments. Bharti handles the retail and sales division and Walmart takes care of the back end, such as cold chains and logistics. It was only in 2012 that the FDI cap in retail was lifted to 51%. It is believed that the ongoing probe into the Walmarts March 2010 buy of compulsory convertible debentures (CCDs) in Bharati owned Cedar Support Services in 2010 for $100 million is a major reason for the separation. The act of violation of Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) is causing hurdles. The multi-brand retail space cannot proceed in Indian market without getting a green signal on the ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe. The JV , which has in-all 20 outlets across India, has not opened any new outlet in 2013. Bharti Walmarts first store open-end in Amritsar in May 2012. Other than the partnership, Bhartis Easy Day, which has 225 stores across India and receives back end support by Walmart, has also faced losses in 2013. Walmarts Mitch Slape, former Bharti Retail COO, is now moving back to Walmart US, which is another distress for the partnership. On lookers are eying closely at the developments. It is closely being watched upon that who will buy Walmarts 50% equity in the retail brand once the foreign retailer disperses.

Ask for regular account statements

A genuine investment scheme must provide account statements at regular intervals ' monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annually . If it isn't doing so, something may be wrong.

Match performance with stated investment strategy

The performance of the scheme should be in line with the return promised. If not, ask questions, seek explanations, and if need be, take necessary recourse In the end, let's face it-there's no easy and quick money; wealth creation is a long-term process that needs time and patience and requires the investor to be vigilant all the time, knowledge of the financial markets. -NISHKAM OJHA Email: nishkamojha@gmail.com (The writer of the column is Mumbai based Chartered Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner working for a reputed audit and investigation firm of India)

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BHOPAL September 9 to September 15, 2013

World

WE THE STATE

Syria: Obama is in a room full of smoke with no exit door

he clock was ticking, yet 30 minutes after US President Obama was due to address his country on the decision to strike Syria from the Rose Garden more than ten days ago, there was no sign of him. The delay only underlined the hesitation that marked the US Presidents actions even as he decided to pull back from certain strikes on Syria to going to the US Congress for a vote when it reconvenes today . Obama doesnt need the vote, and the small possibility of losing as David Cameron did in the British Parliament, makes this one of the biggest gambles a US President has taken on policy-making. Heres my question for every member of Congress and every member of the global community, the US President challenged,What message will we send if a dictator can gas hundreds of children to death in plain sight and pay no price? The open-ended question is not as much a throwing of the gauntlet, as it is a sign Obama hoped that his colleagues in Congress could make the call on what to do instead. But unfortunately, President Obama has already painted himself into a corner in a room full of smoke with no signs of a safe exit door. Lets take a look at the USs case for action on Syria after the reported chemical attack of 21 August, and analyse why President Obama may actually want to be second-guessed. To begin with, the high confidence touted by US Secretary of State John Kerry, that Syrian President Assad had carried out the attacks, is based on its Intelligence report, highlights of which the State department made available. According to the report, satellite movements, artillery reports, and the images on video all lead to the conclusion that the Syrian regime had targeted the Damascus suburb of Ghouta with chemical weapons. Yet the report itself says that the chemical-laden rockets had been fired from regime controlled territory, not identifying the Assad Army brigade that may have been responsible for the deaths of 1,429 people, among them 426 children. The French intelligence reports, based casualty figures on me-

thodical, technical analysis of 47 original video tapes, putting the figure at 281, saying non-governmental assessments were higher. The British intelligence report, that failed to help PM Cameron win his parliament vote, put fatalities at 350, conceding only some intelligence to suggest regime culpability in this attack. The differing casualty figures are puzzling, and it is extremely clear that the strongest case they all make to blame Assad is that no one else had the capability to do it. Hardly the stuff of a water-tight case. The US administration can also not use public pressure as reason to act in contravention of the UN Security Councils mandate. In fact public opinion is clearly to the contrary . In a poll of three European countries UK, France and Germany, conducted by a media channel , only 23% of participants backed strikes on Syria, even less than the 26% that voted to do nothing at all as an option. In the US, an ABC/Washington Post poll found 59% opposed the USs strikes plan, while only 36% supported it. Even the Arab league countries, that the US often cites, voted this week that action against Syria must be UN-mandated. Even so, doesnt the US have the moral imperative to act? After all, the founding slogan of the United Nations Never Again, should have been the guiding principle to act against a nerve-gas attack on civilians in Syria. Yet it is hardly a principle the US can use convincingly, as many point to US actions in the Iraqi town of Fallujah in 2004, where US airplanes with British help allegedly bombed insurgents and civilians with White Phosphorus, or the CIA report declassified last month that shows US Intelligence knew about and even assisted Saddam Hussein to use Sarin and nerve gases on Iranian targets on the Al Basrah front in 1984. Further back in history is the troubling legacy of the use of millions of gallons of Agent Orange in Vietnam, along with the use of Napalm that left half a million dead between 1962-1971. Equally troubling is the idea that Al-Qaeda linked groups that dominate Syrias rebels, who have a record of atrocities, have also allegedly acquired chemical weapons, and the

USs strikes will strengthen them. President Obama then must hope that the strikes that he plans to carry out on Syria will in some way improve the situation for the civilians of a country with 100,000 dead and two million refugees. Even if Assads forces were to take a blow from such strikes, those USs aims could be achieved. Yet the lead time Syria has already been given may mean that Assad has moved his vital stocks and prepared for the strikes when they do come, while surgical strikes wont change the situation for ordinary Syrians. Lets remember the purpose of the strikes wont be to start a war, emphasized Frances Ambassador to India, Francois Richier to agencies this week, It is to punish Syria for chemical warfare. There is no regime-change agenda. If Assad and his forces are indeed guilty of what they are accused of, a limited set of punitive strikes would hardly deter them. As a result, the best Obama can hope to do is degrade Assads capabilities but the worst is to embolden him further. The option of not acting, regardless of what Congress says, seems remote. In an interview to agencies last week US House Intel Chairman Mike Rogers put it starkly. When the President called for a red-line (over the use of chemical weapons), the full credibility of the United States was put on the line. The corner that President Obama has painted himself into with that red-line, that he now distances himself from, is a lonely one. As he prepares for that no doubt compelling speech he will make at the US Congress next week on striking Syria despite the worlds disapproval, the US President must remember words from his own acceptance speech of the Nobel peace prize in 2009. America cannot insist that others follow the rules of the road if we refuse to follow them ourselves. For when we dont, our action can appear arbitrary, and undercut the legitimacy of future intervention no matter how justified. This becomes particularly important when the purpose of military action extends beyond self defense or the defense of one nation against an aggressor.

he militants who barged into the Afghan home of Indian author Sushmita Banerjee and later shot her asked her why she wrote nasty things about them, the victim's in-laws told her Kolkatabased relatives Saturday . The slain author's younger brother Gopal Banerjee said her body was buried Thursday morning as per Islamic traditions in Sharan city of Afghanistan's Paktika province. "I managed to talk to my sisters in-law in Afghanistan over phone today (Saturday) around 2.30 pm. I spoke to her husband Jaanbaz Khan and one of his cousins over Jaanbaz's mobile," Gopal Banerjee said. "Since Thursday, I had been repeatedly trying Jaanbaz's number.

Why write nasty things on us?: Taliban asked writer before killing her T
But it was unreachable. Today, I finally managed to establish contact with him," said Banerjee, saying his brother-in-law sounded shaken by the experience, and "very upset". "He seemed very upset at what has befallen him. I could hardly talk to him. But I had detailed conversation with his cousin, who said the killers were Taliban militants," Banerjee said. "The cousin told me that when the killers barged into the house, they started beating her. They were saying, "Why have you written all these nasty things about us?" Sushmita Banerjee defied her family to marry Afghan businessman Jaanbaz Khan, with whom she fell in love in Kolkata. She stayed for years with him in Afghanistan, before com-

ing back to India. In 1998, she wrote the bestselling memoir "Kabuliwalar Bangali Bou" (A Kabuliwala's Bengali Wife), offering a vivid description of the suffering of women under the Taliban. She also described her daring escape from the clutches of militants in the book, which made her a household name in Bengal. Gopal Banerjee said, "The cousin told me that the militants tied up Sushmita's in-laws when they started protesting. They later abducted her". Banerjee's bullet-riddled body, with some of the hair ripped off her head, was found Thursday morning. "The body was buried the same day according to their customs," said Gopal Banerjee, adding that Jaanbaz had no plans at present of coming to India.

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BHOPAL September 9 to September 15, 2013

Sports

WE THE STATE

Please do not put pressure on my son Arjun:Sachin to media

P
laying the role of a protective father, senior India batsman Sachin Tendulkar on asked the media to leave his "cricket mad" son Arjun alone and allow him to play the game without any pressure. Tendulkar, who was felicitated by the Sports Journalists' Association of Mumbai fo scoring 100 international centuries, said that he wanted his 14-year-old son to have his own identity and not be compared with him."My son has played a match today . First club match, an official match. He is passionate, he is madly in love with cricket. But the other things that go around the cricketer and not just the on-field activity but whatever he gets to hear or gets to read or the way it gets projected, I would appreciate if everyone allows him to be himself and to have his own identity and enjoy his cricket above all," Tendulkar said. "Since I am here and the entire sports journalists' fraternity is sitting over here, I am going to be a protective father. When I started playing cricket, though my father was a professor and was in literary field, at no stage I had this pressure from anyone who said you are playing cricket but how about following your father's footsteps," he said. "At no stage of my life, there were comparisons. He (Arjun) started his career, so it is a humble request if he can live his life like a normal 14-year-old, without thinking about anything else except falling in love with this sport," he added. Tendulkar, who became the first player to score 100 tons in international cricket, was conferred with a special award. The senior batsman remembered the first time he was felicitated by the association in 1987, and said the rickshaw ride at that time was quite comfortable. "I can't forget the rickshaw ride. It was really comfortable in those days especially when you are carrying big kit bags and travelling by train and bus. That evening was a memorable one especially as Sunil Gavaskar had just retired from Test cricket and he was present there," he said. Tendulkar advised the other award winners to have a positive mindset to excel in their respective fields. "From my own experience and my own journey , I can tell you is enjoy every moment. There will be some challenges along the way but embrace those challenges. Don't find short cuts. Continue to make the nation proud. They (sports journalists) play a huge role in making players and not supporting players. You give them a reason to support you. Their actions are always followed by your performances," Tendulkar said. "To be able to perform consistently over the years, the mental frame of mind has to be positive at all times. You need positive energy flowing through your body, which will allow those free moments and bring out the best in you," he said. He added that he was shy by nature and learnt to speak longer sentences to the questions asked by the media.

Unmukt Chand not

bothered by failures
VISAKHAPATNAM: The ongoing series against New Zealand 'A' was crucial for Unmukt Chand. The former India U-19 skipper, after the World Cup triumph, hasn't exactly found a solid footing in the big league and the selectors were keen to see how he shapes up in this series, where there are a few international bowlers in the rival line-up. Till now, it hasn't exactly gone to plan, but Chand is looking to turn things around in the oneday series that starts here on Sunday .

to train with Gary Kirsten in Cape Town

enior India pacer Zaheer Khan will be training with former India coach Gary Kirsten to win his place back in the national team. Zaheer, who returned from a rigorous six-week training session in France last month, will now be travelling to Cape Town where he will work with Kirsten for three weeks. "Zaheer will be travelling to Cape Town to work with Kirsten for three weeks. He was to leave on September 6, but he still has to get his visa. Once that happens he will be off. There he will primarily work on his fielding and bowling," said Sudhir Naik to a national daily . The former opening batsman has been Zaheer's mentor. A side-strain had ruled Zaheer out of action earlier this year and the 34-year-old veteran has been trying to get back in shape. Zaheer's last appearance for the national side came in December when India played England in the Kolkata Test. Zaheer, however, has managed to work hard and in the first part of his comeback plans, was in France with Yuvraj Singh where he reportedly lost six kgs. With Kirsten assisting him, Zaheer can fast-track his plans as the entire Indian team previously benefited from the former South African batsman when he was the head coach.

Zaheer Khan
S

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BHOPAL September 9 to September 15, 2013

Nation

WE THE STATE

Modi's PM candidature likely by Sept 17

gift for Modi this year?

he RSS has left it to BJP president Raj-

nath Singh to take a call on the date . PM candidature an advance birthday

The party is split over the timing of the an-

nouncement with senior leaders like LK Ad-

vani and Sushma Swaraj in favour of declaring Modi as the PM candidate after the assembly elections scheduled this year get over. Other leaders and also the RSS want the an-

Narendra Modi could get an advance birthday ly to be named as the BJP's prime ministerial days ahead of his 64th birthday on September

New Delhi, Sept 9: Gujarat Chief Minister

gift this year with sources saying that he is likecandidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls a few 17. Things were indicative of the development

nouncement to be made immediately . The RSS

has left it to BJP president Rajnath Singh to vani and Swaraj felt that Modi's elevation should not come into the way of state issues and could give an advantage to the Congress if

take a call on the date of the announcement. Ad-

after senior leaders of the BJP and RSS met here for a two-day meeting starting on Sunday year's Lok Sabha elections. Sources said an anto evolve a coherent strategy ahead of the next nouncement on Modi is likely after the BJP parliamentary board meets within a week's time. The RSS top brass has been trying to make the BJP reach an agreement on Modi's candidature.

it so happens before the state polls. Others like

Rajnath Singh and Arun Jaitley think that the mood and enthusiasm in favour of Modi across the nation make it an ideal time to declare him as the prime ministerial candidate. They feel delaying more could hit the BJP's poll

sion to come after the inauspicious pitripaksh sets in from September 20 and the state poll schedules are announced around the same pe-

riod. On Sunday, Advani attended the crucial meet only in the second half, raising speculations in various quarters.

prospects. The BJP also doesn't want the deci-

Asarams trusted aide revealing dark secrets

More trouble brewing for controversial godman
the case Shiva has narrated the whole story to the police. The police have taken in their possession ing of Astha to Jodhpur and have now launched a den Shilpi. According to the police, Shilpi is with all the evidence from his call details to the bringhunt for the absconding Chhindwara ashram warAsaram for years and knows all his secrets. She used to send gurukul girls to Asaram. According to sources, Asaram had provided flats to Shipli in Asarams most trusted aide and key witness in same thing happened to their daughter or granddaughter. Religious and spiritual leaders are the guiding force in a society that is arguably losing its moral sheen. They mustn't betray the trust that millions of people repose in them, often blindly, and must follow the footsteps of our sages whose centuries. wisdom has nourished our culture since many manhandled by his supporters. Before his arrest, saying elections are imminent in Rajasthan and him. While his supporters even tried to bribe a he even indirectly threatened the Rajasthan Govt the govt will have to bear the price of arresting woman police officer to hush up the case, Jodhpur DCP received murder threat soon after Asaram landed in prison there.

Did media and the govt send the girl to Asarams room?

Delhi and Ahmedabad. She was made Chhindwara

ashram warden so that she could supply girls to

Case against Asaram is strong, says Jodhpur DCP

against the media and the government. But neigirl to his room with a bad intention. Those who

Asaram and his supporters are up in arms

Asaram. Police hope many more secrets will be out after her arrest.

Singh Lamba has claimed there is sufficient evidence against Asaram and the case against him is cult to say at this stage how far the sections watertight. However, he conceded that it is diffiAsaram has been charged under will be tenable in a court of law. A battery of lawyers is ready to defend Asaram in the court, as the godman is not short of funds and has an annual income to the tune of Rs 4,000 crore and no doubt he will do everything possible to come clean. He may even try to buy the victims family. For now, however, the court has rejected his bail plea and sent him on showed the courage to tighten the noose around Asaram just the way they did in the case of actor

Jodhpur deputy commissioner of police Ajaypal

ther the media nor the government had sent the are alleging media trial in this case must tell

SANGEETA SHARMA JODHPUR

whether the media should remain silent even if a saint, who has lakhs of followers and disciples all minor girl. What is wrong if the media is exposing over the country, does such shameful thing with a his true face and the reality of his Rs 400 crore

he true face of controversial godman fore the public. The spotless white dhoti

Saint Asaram is slowly getting exposed be-

Followers say it is conspiracy to malign Bapus image

and kurta, and eventually a snow-white beard to

ers have termed all this as a controversy to malign

The controversial saint himself and his follow-

match, made him look like a true saint. And that combined with a growing list of quotable quotes, life tips on everything from marital bliss to cures for cancer and ashrams helped him sustain the air of godliness and win more and more followers every day . Today, the 74-year-old Asaram Bapu has more than 20 million followers, 425 ashrams across 12 countries and more than 50 gutrusted sevadar for years, is unveiling the face of

their guru Asaram Bapus image. But the question is whether the conspirators had called the girl to Jodhpur and sent her to his room. Why Astha was called to Jodhpur on the pretext of warding her nor girls used to be supplied to Asaram. However, no one could raise voice against the rich and in-

property? What is wrong if the police acted on the basis of the statement of the victim? Attempts are being made to bribe and threaten the police. that the BJP government there will save him from rious that the MP Govt chose not to interfere.

Asaram had run to Indore because he was hoping the arrest. But the charges against him were so se-

off evil spirits. The incident has proved that mi-

15-day judicial remand. The Jodhpur police

flurntial saint. This emboldened Asaram and der a plan.

rukuls across India. But Shiva, his confidante and a lustful person behind his false religious faade. He enjoyed all the carnal pleasures in his kutiya while preaching austerity to his followers. Not

Astha was called to Jodhpur from Chhindwara unAsaram is not repentant and is shamelessly

Salman Khan. Now it is the time for his followers to accept the reality and stand with the victim girl the modesty of any girl. so that in future no fake saint may dare to outrage

claiming that he is innocent. Asaram had asked police during interrogation if he couldnt live daughter. However, he forgot that molesting or sexalone with his disciple who was like her grandually exploiting a girl of the age of his grand-

only this, his trusted Shilpi used to send girls to The evidence so far is strong and convincing enough to nail the controversial saint. Shiva is revealing one secret after the other which will in-

him, while his cook Prakash used to keep a watch.

No change in Asarams attitude

daughter was a crime. Asaram, whopreaches sin and virtue to his followers, forgot that defiling a girl was the biggest sin. It is ironic that people had such blind faith in Asaram and were so carried was god and could not see his true face. All the away by his sermons that that they believed he clarifications given by Asaram and the ruckus raised by his followers will not free the godman from the guilt of raping a helpless minor. His followers, who have been opposing his arrest, should

the media even after his arrest but his lie couldnt stand in the court. The Sessions Court didnt grant him bail and he is currently lodged in the Jodhpur jail.Asaram, who has been teaching the lesson of

Asaram kept blaming the Rajasthan Govt and

crease Asarams trouble in the days to come. Meanwhile, Asaram Bapu's son Narayan Sai has her married to his disciple in 2004 who was albeen accused by a woman for fraudulently getting ready married. The accusation against Asaram's son comes even as the controversial godman is fac(name changed). ing charges of raping a 16-year-old girl Astha

restraint to others, appears to have lost his own

cool after his arrest. He is trying his level best to that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul had framed him in

cover up his crime. Initially he tried to convince the false case. Later after he was served the summons by the police, Asaram vent his ire on the media and on his behest media persons were even

tell if they would have remained silent had the

Owned Printed and Published by M.M.Baig. Printed at lucky, 267, Pragati Nagar, Shahanshah Garden, Bhopal (MP) and published from H.No.101, A-SECTOR INDRAPURI BHEL, WARD NO.63 DIST BHOPAL-462021, M.P. Tele/FAX 0755-4292545,Mob.09425029901 email-editor@wethestate.com RNI No. MPENG\2012\46415 Editor: M.M. BAIG -Responsible for selection of News & Articles under PRB Act, Subject to Bhopal jurisdiction