Dinesh Kamath, Editor of Newsband, felicitated by Parmeshwaran Kalalaya Foundation at Navi Mumbai Tamil Sangam Hall

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Imran Khan woos India' that was published in Newsband

Imran Khan woos India

Prime Minister Imran Khan was speaking to Indian journalists in Islamabad. He said that it was not in Pakistan’s interest to allow terror attacks from Pakistan’s territory. Imran Khan called for India to make a fresh start during his term to revive the dialogue process between the two countries. The talks had been stalled on the issue of terrorism for more than a decade. Khan also spoke at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the historic Kartarpur corridor, at Kartarpur in Pakistan. He said that India and Pakistan must not keep focussing on the past and that the past was for learning from, not for living in. He expressed his sorrow over the fact that in spite of his trying to reach out to India from the very first day of his term, he got a bad response when the meeting at the UN was cancelled. He said that Pakistan then decided to wait for a response until elections in India.

Khan maintained that the resolution of Kashmir remained the main concern for Pakistan. Pakistan Information Minister said that there are people in both India and Pakistan who don’t want normalization. Khan referred to the “4-step formula” for the resolution of Kashmir that was devised during the tenures of President Musharraf and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He further said that the response in Pakistan to the corridor had been very “positive” and he hoped that India would respond to the “consensus for peace” which he said was shared by all stakeholders including the military in Pakistan.

Khan said that his government hoped to promote religious tourism in the country, and could consider other proposals for shrines such as the Sharada Peeth in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Katasraj temple in Sindh as well as a recently discovered Buddha statue near Islamabad.

How did the Indians respond to all that Khan uttered? Indians ask, “What is there to talk about Kashmir? Pakistan just has to accept that Kashmir is integral part of India and move on. If it does that, things will automatically return to normal very soon. Jammu & Kashmir is one of the states in India.Why should Pakistan or any other country want to discuss about it?”

The Indians ask Khan the following questions: Are you ready to act against the Mumbai attack organisers and supporters especially those in ISI? Are you ready to act against D-Gang? Are you ready to return to India the occupied territories? Are you ready to vacate Chitral which did not have a Muslim Majority population at the time of partition? Are you ready to hold accountable those people who are responsible for atrocities committed in Baluchistan?

India appreciates Imran Khan’s quest for peace, but remember Prime Minister Modi showed the same enthusiasm when he got elected to be the PM and visited PM Nawaz Sharif. India is unable to trust Pakistan. Whenever India gives an olive branch, immediately we get a Kargil, or 26/11 or parliament attack or air force base attack etc. India can’t believe Pakistanis until they get out of their military and ISI controlled Governments.

What Indians should consider is the fact that war and killing has not helped India and Pakistan. Imran Khan is new Prime Minister, who is trying his best to start a new peace process. He is aware of the fact that some of his predecessors had got killed for trying to talk peace with India. All the terrorists in Pakistan try to gun down anyone who tries to make peace with India. But despite all those challenges, he is bold enough to talk peace and not cowed down by terrorists and pressure from ISI. Shouldn’t India grab this golden oppurtunity to bring peace to Indo-Pak relationship?

Dinesh Kamath photographed during Felicitation Ceremony at Navi Mumbai Tamil Sangam Hall

Mridangam Vidwan Guru M S Parmeshwaran, Columnist of Newsband C K Subramaniam and Editor of Newsband Dinesh Kamath during the Felicitation Ceremony organized by Parmeshwaran Kalalaya Foundation at Navi Mumbai Tamil Sangam Hall, Navi Mumbai. 

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Cyclone Gaja is a major disaster' that was published in Newsband

Cyclone Gaja is a major disaster

Cyclone Gaja’s economic impact in Tamil Nadu is comparable to that of the tsunami of 2004. The devastation suffered by tens of thousands of people in several districts of the State has been severe. Communities in the affected areas are distraught as houses have collapsed, farms lie ruined, water sources are contaminated and electricity supply remains disrupted. Many areas remain inaccessible because fallen trees have blocked roads. The number of people rendered homeless is at 3.7 lakh, and houses destroyed at 3.4 lakh. The cyclone has crippled agriculture and livelihoods, felling thousands of productive trees and killing livestock.

Many of the farmers have invested in trees and livestock expecting long-term returns, but have been rendered paupers overnight. The Tamil Nadu government has given the Centre a memorandum seeking nearly ₹15,000 crore for restoration, rehabilitation and mitigation, besides ₹1,431 crore for immediate relief work. Cyclone Gaja has wrought terrible devastation, and the relief programme must match it in scale.

At the time of need our goverment must come forward to help Tamilian community. They need full support of people as well as government. We can't stop natural calamities but could support the sufferers in every possible way. Nobody knows what might happen the very next moment but we can prepare people mentally to bear such losses in future. Every possible help should be contributed by the people in the form of money, food to bring them back to normalcy.

It is very painful to read the news on Gaja affected areas. Loss of plants, cattles and houses pose a very big worry to the surviving villagers and farmers. As rightly pointed out, the State has to do more to rebuild the lost wealth. A few points to ponder over are: 1. State Agriculture department must supply coconut plants freely to the Gaja affected farmers. 2. Farm loans in the affected areas be completely waived by PSBs, Co-operative Banks at once and fresh financing must be immediately extended. 3. State must doll out essentials and groceries free at the ration shops for next 3 months. 4. Construct more number of big size concrete buildings to serve as shelter homes during such calamities. 5. State must at once initiate steps in building concrete houses for the Gaja affected people as done in Tsunami rehabilitation. 6. State and Coastal Development Authority must initiate steps to grow more number of Palmyra trees in these coastal regions to reduce wind intensity.

Despite forewarnings, the administration was not very well prepared. Otherwise, the loss could have been much less than the present. The unimaginable devastation caused by the cyclone Gaja exposed threadbare the inadequacy of the preparedness of the state government in tackling major disasters. The state government has not learnt from experience. It does not have the wherewithal. For getting full quantum of aid from the centre the state government should fight tooth and nail. The state should unequivocally prove to the centre that there is a limit in towing the latter’s line especially when the state’s interests are in jeopardy.

Nature's fury cannot be countered; but we could be "prepared for the worst" through scientific plans. Tamil Nadu is one state where the annual North east Monsoon period (October-November) brings terrible weather conditions, often (almost always) destroying many regions through heavy winds and rain havoc. Here we may recall the washing away of the entire Pamban Bridge of Rameshwaram, some five decades back, along with an entire Train with hundreds of passengers in it - completely engulfed in the seas. While weather broadcasts and predictions have improved many-fold, the on-the-ground preparedness to meet heavy winds and torrential rains have been dismal. Huge moneys are spent on Statues, temples, and other meaningless paraphernalia, frittering away thousands of crores of rupees from Public moneys - but very low priority is seen in being prepared to meet Climate challenges - both short term and long term. There is NEED for Scientific Plans and Actions through Research & Development. The delta districts and Nagapatnam are affected worst in Gaja cyclone. It will take years to revive the agro assets lost which destroyed the major resources for life. Hence the Centre must help the State with liberal purse on Gaja cyclone and sanction the mentioned amount as flood relief.

The Relief to the people who is suffering still for normal living conditions is to be on immediate concern for all levels. The Government along with other political parties and other social welfare organisations should come forward to help the people with all their efforts. The waiving of loans to farmers should be done and there should be immediate remedial measures and insurance sectors must come forward to look into the matter immediately.

Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘New movie released in Navi Mumbai (2.0) that was published in Newsband

New movie released in Navi Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

2.0

2.0 is a 2018 Indian 3D science fiction-action film directed by S. Shankar and co-written by Shankar with B. Jeyamohan. The film was produced by Subaskaran Allirajah under the banner Lyca Productions. A sequel to Enthiran (2010), it features Rajinikanth reprising the roles of Dr. Vaseegaran and Chitti, alongside Akshay Kumar and Amy Jackson. Sudhanshu Pandey, Adil Hussain, Kalabhavan Shajohn, and Dr K. Ganesh appear in supporting roles. In addition to its original language, the film would be released in 14 other languages with dubbed versions. The soundtrack was composed by A. R. Rahman, with lyrics written by Madhan Karky and Na. Muthukumar.

India faces a threat from Pakshi Rajan (Akshay Kumar), a human who mutated into a bird-like creature and uses cellphones as weapons. Vaseegaran aka Vasee (Rajinikanth) decides to help the government by reviving the superpowered andro-humanoid robot Chitti (also Rajinikanth) along with his newly invented andro-humanoid robot Nila (Amy Jackson) to eliminate Pakshi Rajan. This time around, Chitti is reloaded and primed to confront a force that is out to eliminate mobile phones and cellular transmission towers from Tamil Nadu. The battle between good and evil, between nature and technology, plays out over two and a half hours. The movie displays robotic and frenetic action sequences. The film talks at length about the sad reality of the sparrows vanishing from our metropolises. The film has flashy, impressive demo of animatronics, special effects and prosthetics. A mysterious power - its genesis is established in the film's opening sequence in which a man hangs himself from a cell tower - is out to eliminate mobile telephony from the face of the earth. Towers are uprooted and crushed. Handsets fly off the hands of their owners and turn into a destructive wave. A city is in the grip of complete mayhem. The army is called out but the soldiers draw a blank. The good scientist is roped in to stop the impending calamity. He advises bringing Chitti back from the dead. That is the only effective option in the fight against the new menace. His plan is resisted by elements in the administration but as matters begin to go out of control, Vaseegaran secures a free hand. Nila (Amy Jackson), another of Vaseegaran's creations. On the face of it, the lead actor plunges into the universe of the two pivotal characters - the invincible robot and his brilliant creator - with all his might. Akshay Kumar, in the second half of the film, is in the guise of an ageing ornithologist livid at the fast depleting bird numbers and then as a vengeance seeker for the avian deaths. The murderous crusade that Pakshirajan (Akshay Kumar) launches against mobile phone sellers and users is worth watchin. The comic-strip superficiality of his war manifests itself in the manner in which he kills a wholesaler, a transmission tower owner and a telecom minister: one blown to smithereens, the other squeezed to pulp, and another literally poisoned with a diamond-studded mobile phone. Amy Jackson as the super-efficient robot who is at the beck and all of her master is aptly mechanical but does just enough not to be swamped out of this sci-fi action film designed primarily for Rajnikanth's larger-than-life, crowd-pleasing screen persona. Adil Hussain is in the role of the home minister, a man charged with formulating a response to the attack of the mobile phones. But his agency is quickly taken away from him as Vaseegaran, Chitti and Nila take over as a powerful adversary threatens to overrun the city. There is a hint of a romantic entanglement between Chitti and Nila, both of whom are capable of feeling and expressing love. Thus The right-versus-wrong is what 2.0 depicts.

The film has Rajinikanth as Vaseegaran, Chitti, 2.0, and Kutti 3.0, Akshay Kumar as Pakshi Rajan, Amy Jackson as Nila, Sudhanshu Pandey as Dhinendra Bohra "Dhina", Adil Hussain as Vijay Kumar, Home Minister, Dr K. Ganesh as Jeyanth Kumar, Anant Mahadevan as a scientist, Mayilsamy as Telecommunication Minister's personal assistant and Kalabhavan Shajohn as Telecommunication Minister.

A. R. Rahman composed the music of the film. The original Tamil soundtrack has Hindi and Telugu dubbed versions. Lyricist is Abbas Tyrewala. In the Hindi version, the songs are "Mechanical Sundariye"          sung by Armaan Malik, Shashaa Tirupati, "Rakshassi" by Blaaze, Kailash Kher, Nakash Aziz and "Nanhi Si Jaan"          by Kailash Kher, A. R. Ameen, Suzanne D'Mello.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'The Rupee gets a much-needed boost' that was published in Newsband

The Rupee gets a much-needed boost

The rupee has managed to gain some ground over the last few weeks. It has gained almost 5% from its lowest levels reached in October. This is owing to the uptrend in oil prices this year which lasted till early October. Since then, the rupee has gained against the dollar in tandem with the fall in global crude prices. This is all due to the U.S. having softened its stance against Iran.

Traders said the weakness in the greenback against some currencies overseas and a higher opening of domestic equities supported the rupee. Rising for the eighth straight day, the rupee climbed 39 paise to 70.30 against the US dollar in early trade Monday, as global crude prices slipped below the $60 per barrel mark.

The fall in global crude oil prices comes as a big relief to the Central government, which has faced increasing macroeconomic and political pressure due to rising prices. The ruling party may be pleased with falling oil prices in the run-up to the general elections next year. The Reserve Bank of India will be relieved as it will have to worry less about the rupee and oil-induced inflation.

There is an increase in investor confidence in the Indian economy. It may not be so easy to map what lies ahead for global crude oil prices and the rupee. The December 6 meeting of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries might give some idea.

India should capitalise on the relief offered by the fall in oil prices. The ongoing fall and rise of the Indian rupee is, of course, attributable to the fluctuating world oil prices. It has also become a sordid fact that the Indian economy's growth (or decline) is inextricably tied to crude oil prices. India should fervently look for alternative sources of energy so as to reduce dependence on crude oil.

To make the present favourable situation last long, prudent steps must be taken to face any adverse situation in the future immediately. A nation's values would depend on Value Additions of Own Resources - both materials and Human. Dependence of outside resources/technology/engineering would make a nation vulnerable to international trade balance/imbalance. Oil imports of India is to an extent of about 3.2 million barrels per day (values ranging from $190 million to $250 million/ per day) - running to over $70 billion per annum. The Net-energy values of the imported oil works out to about 800 billion KWH per annum. Were we to convert Coal into Green Energy system, through Clean-Technology, about 200 million T of Coal based Oil could completely solve all the Needs of Petroleum imports. And we have 300 billion T of coal, useful for at least 300 years, at current usage rates. It is high time our Government plans for R&D to utilize the huge Coal resources instead of imported Petroleum.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'The Legend called Mary Kom!' that was published in Newsband

The Legend called Mary Kom!

Mary Kom won sixth World Championship gold. Thus she has proved that she is one the greatest boxers. She has enhanced her already legendary status. She defeated Ukraine’s Hanna Okhota in the 48 kg segment of the Women’s World Boxing Championship in Delhi.

Mary Kom has thus drawn her level with Félix Savón, the Cuban great who ruled amateur boxing in the 1980s and 1990s. Kom has always defied the odds. She has busted gender stereotypes. She could achieve this feat in spite of the lack of resources and poor infrastructure. She firmed up Manipur’s place on India’s talent map, brought India on the world boxing landscape, and reinforced women’s sport.

Kom is now 35 and a mother of three. She has an overall haul of seven medals, including a silver on debut in 2001. She was a bronze medallist at the 2012 London Olympics. The latest of her six world titles, secured after a gap of eight years, was the toughest of them all. She also had to bear the additional pressure of the expectations of home crowds.

Kom will switch to the 51 kg weight class in the pursuit of a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She will have to fight with younger and stronger rivals in a higher weight category. Hailed as ‘Magnificent Mary’ by the International Boxing Association, Kom has been an inspiration globally. She is also a Rajya Sabha member of Parliament and idol for many upcoming women boxers.

 M.C. Mary Kom got emotional after winning record sixth gold. India ended the championships with 1 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze — from Lovlina Borgohain (69kg) and Simranjit Kaur (64kg). Mary Kom’s great stature has now touched a new high. The diminutive Mary now stands as the tallest woman boxer.  

In a hard-fought duel between two southpaws, Mary showcased her beautiful assortment of right jabs and well-rehearsed combinations to seize the initiative. The Ukrainian employed her quick hands and tested Mary thoroughly in the second round. With the competition got more intense, Mary lifted her game and attacked in the final round. Amidst the exchange of blows, Hanna displayed some gamesmanship and invited the Indian to land more shots. At last Mary was declared a winner amidst deafening cheers. The Indian could not hold back her tears as she thanked the fans for their whole-hearted support. She has made a humble statement: ‘I don’t have anything to give except for a gold medal to the country.’

However, Sonia Chahal (57kg), the other Indian in the finals, lost 4-1 to former World youth champion Ornelia Wahner of Germany and had to be satisfied with a silver medal. Sonia deserved credit for standing like a rock despite being taken to task by the German. Overall, Indian boxers gave an improved performance as they secured four medals. In the previous edition, India had managed just one silver medal.

It has been a challenging journey for the 35-year-old, who has displayed tremendous grit, game sense, tactical acumen and superb fitness to get the better of younger opponents. She (Mary) is a strong boxer, an Indian star and a women’s boxing legend. Mary is focused on her job. Mary Kom showed how experience and smartness can turn things around.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Misplaced adventurism proves fatal' that was published in Newsband

Misplaced adventurism proves fatal

The death of a young American man at the hands of the inhabitants of North Sentinel Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Should Sentinelese be convicted and punished? Should they be integrated into modern society?

John Chau’s killing was a tragedy. His attempt to make contact with the Sentinelese was foolhardy and dangerous. Nobody is allowed to venture near North Sentinel Island without permission.

The Sentinelese are perhaps the most reclusive community in the world today. Their language is so far understood by no other group and they have traditionally guarded their island fiercely, attacking most intruders with spears and arrows. Chau knowingly broke the law.

But the fact is even animals with five senses can recognise its own species. It is not a normal behaviour to react with killing instinct at the sight of another human being. These islands were used by kingdoms to banish people who were nuisance to societies. It could have been one such islands used to banish people with psychiatric abnormal behaviours. If there were just 10 people in the beginning, over several hundred years, these numbers should have multiplied to several hundreds. Why then the number of tribals is very less. Are they killing themselves or is there any other reason for high mortality? When they are a part of India, they also should be offered all the facilities which other citizens are provided with. India has worked for upliftment of many tribals. They are not zoo animals to speak about conservation and no law should prevent them from their basic rights to education and medical facilities even if they don't want. Government should enter the island and provide rehabilitation.

But there are many questions being asked. Did Chau want to convert the Sentinalese to Christianity? Is the religious motivation of Chau and the backing he received from the missionary societies/groups that he was a part of, being brushed under the carpet? The case is being presented as only that of "misplaced adventurism"

Chau should have been prevented from entering the island and what made the authority to be hand folded while he started his venture. If there are very few people there they must be brought out to civil life. But if they are considered worth to be retained status quo tighten the laws for absolute prevention of entry to the island.

India hosts the world's most aloof tribe. The fact that they have existed for so long is a testimony to India's culture of concern for all beings, of its diversity, and its much-appreciated policy of "live and let live". Hope that there can be some other non-destructive solution.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Good initiative for India and Pakistan' that was published in Newsband

Good initiative for India and Pakistan

India and Pakistan have announced their plans to operationalise a visa-free corridor between Dera Baba Nanak in Indian Punjab and Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan’s Punjab. That demand had gathered pace in 1995. The Kartarpur gurdwara is situated on the site on the bank of the Ravi where the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, spent his last 18 years. Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Benazir Bhutto, had pushed for it. They were alert to the potential of such a move to heal ties amongst their people, and promote dialogue between the two governments.

Kashmiri Pandits have also for long been asking for access to visit the Sharda Peeth in the Neelum Valley in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir; Sufis in Pakistan wish to visit the dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, Rajasthan; and Sikhs in India and Pakistan want to visit important shrines on both sides of the border.

Much will depend on how quickly India and Pakistan act on their commitment. Recently, Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa revived the Kartarpur proposal in a conversation with Navjot Singh Sidhu, a Minister in the Congress government in Punjab, at Mr. Khan’s swearing-in ceremony in August. The Kartarpur project will compel India and Pakistan to engage in a positive and purposeful manner. Can this project ensure that peace and tranquility will prevail on borders.

India, as a nation, has suffered for 17 years at the hands of Jinnah before Partition (1930-1947) and another 71 years at the hands of his successors after Partition. We have only experienced mendacity, duplicity, enduring hostility, skirmishes, wars and above all unrelenting jihadi terrorism from Pakistan. Should we still treat Pakistan as a long-lost brother or a prodigal son deserving sympathy? The cross border Punjabi affection cannot be the basis for diplomacy because the sinister agenda of Pakistan is based on manufactured grievances and conspiracy theories. Let us remember that Pakistan hosts all Khalistani terrorists. All these need reiteration, don't they?

Yes, allowing cross border piligrimage is good and it is a good opening for a game changer and a step ahead in changing the bitterness that had stopped the diplomatic talks between the two. All those who worked to make this possible deserve praise. People wishing to cross the border for medical treatment should face no difficulties at all. Personal visits to relatives should be insulated from the periodic chills the relationship is prone to.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Unlawful but right decision?' that was published in Newsband

Unlawful but right decision?

The J&K Governor dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly without giving any claimant an opportunity to form the government. Governor Satya Pal Malik has violated constitutional law and convention.

in J&K, the State has been under Governor’s rule since June, when the BJP withdrew from the coalition and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, of the Peoples Democratic Party, resigned. The PDP and the National Conference were about to come together to form a likely 56-member bloc with the help of the Congress.

Describing such an alliance as opportunistic is fine as far as it is political opinion; however, it cannot be the basis for constitutional action. The court had also said unsubstantiated claims of horse-trading or corruption in efforts at government formation cannot be cited as reasons to dissolve the Assembly. It was the Governor’s duty to explore the possibility of forming a popular government,

Anyone interested in political stability in the sensitive State should ensure that democratic processes are strengthened. The potential for political instability in the future should not be a reason to take law into one’s hands.

But J&K being what it is, needs to be handled carefully. All parties except the BJP are either openly or tacitly lending support to the Hurriat & the stone pelters. Under the circumstance, if they happen to get a hand at power, consequences thereof could be disastrous as country could witness a greater intensity of moves at cessation with active assistance from Pakistan. It is better for India that J&K remains under President's rule until Government is in a position to bifurcate the state to isolate problem areas & deal with them focused with iron hand.

Some argue that the offices of the Governor and the President were created in the Indian Constitution so that people of impeccable character would bring sanity into the machinations of politicians. Unfortunately, the system has been subverted by the politicians by appointing people with strong leanings to the ruling party to these posts.

But it is now increasingly becoming clear that Indian Political arena is transforming into a drama of opposing ideas/ideals/ideologies, where anybody can join with anybody else and money would be the benefit for such "joining" hands - whatever the reality of ideals/ideologies. The resultant happenings are highly nauseating - to say the least. There are no standards/practices/principles/Rules. Money and Power speak.

Formation of government through a post poll manoeuvre of groups has political validity; despite lacking in morality. MLAs are free to have their views and of course they are in a sense compelled to act in accordance with public opinion and people's interest; and this is all a difficult area in practice, theory and opinion. We are passing through difficult times beset with Majoritarianism; Democracy norms have been in systemic mobocracy jeopardy. Development has been on an inexorable, fitfully paced path; politically this is getting less important. Priority has to be to uphold the Constitution and Rule Of Law.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'The Centre and the RBI address each other’s concerns' that was published in Newsband

The Centre and the RBI address each other’s concerns

In the board meeting of the Reserve Bank of India, the decisions taken by the board addressed the concerns of both the Centre and the central bank, though on balance it appears that the RBI carried the day. Two of the biggest concerns of the Centre where it was expecting an immediate resolution — relaxation of the Prompt Corrective Action framework on 11 public sector banks and provision of liquidity for non-banking financial companies — will be addressed at a future date.

The Centre’s attempt to tap the RBI’s rich reserves has also been staved off for now. The RBI has been transferring all of its surpluses to the Centre in the last five years based on the recommendations of an earlier committee led by Y.H. Malegam. The central bank partially yielded to the Centre on two other issues — the Basel capital framework for banks and easing credit flow to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Again, by permitting debt recast for MSME borrowers of up to ₹25 crore, the RBI has attempted to address their credit concerns, which was one of the major demands of the Centre. Clearly, there was enough give-and-take in the meeting that left both sides gaining something.

That the meeting went on for over nine hours clearly indicates that there was an intense exchange of views, which is not a bad thing at all. Differences between the Centre and the central bank must be thrashed out. Theee should not be any government interference in the functioning of RBI, especially its regulatory aspect and monetary policy prerogatives. Electoral politics should not make RBI a scapegoat.

It's really a good step from both the players. They are quite happy with their decision and at last problem will somehow be solved around the table. Another refreshing thing under Modi Government is the fact that institutions are respected as independent entities and issues debated. Have we seen such a thing happening any time during the Congress rule? Why? Because they adopted a different strategy of back door operations whereby they plant complaintb by people who would obey to the dictates of the Finance Minister. Even as recently as in 2013,Chidambaram made Raghuram Rajan pay up RBI's reserves to the Govt by finding a basis from an obscure report of YH Malegam that in the normal circumstances, would have been rejected.Therefore, it is clear we now have a Government that doesn't impose itself either overtly or covertly on institutions. Having said that,this approach also has pitfalls as too much of independence can lead to situations that we witnessed in CBI ,an institution that remained so corrupt inside all along yet gave a picture of calmness outside as Govt heads in those times were in perfect sync with CBI & used it for manipulating their actions. Cat is now out of bag!

All said and done the autonomy of RBI should not be tempered with by Union Government. Allow the RBI to function within its parameters.

it is a nice development to note that issues in the world can be settled by discussion across the table rather than waging a cold war, which only keeps the rumor mongering agencies with nice fodder to chew on for days together. Now all the media agencies will have to go in search of another topic to air their views. After all issues develop between various sections of the administration in its day to day working to achieve progress in the nation. It is when such meetings take place, a clear picture results and the works undertaken proceeds fast to achieve the goal aimed at. Congrats to RBI and the govt of the day for showing the way what good governance means.

Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘New movies released in Navi Mumbai’ (Bhaiaji Superhit, The Dark Side Of Life Mumbai City and Colour Photo) that was published in Newsband

New movies released in Navi Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

Bhaiaji Superhit

Bhaiaji Superhit (transl. Brother, superhit) is an Indian action comedy film directed by Neerraj Pathak and produced by Chirag Dhariwal. The film features an ensemble cast including Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Ameesha Patel, Arshad Warsi, Evelyn Sharma and Shreyas Talpade. Its music will be presented by Zee Studios.

A Varanasi based Don (Sunny Deol) dreams of seeing himself on the big screen. To facilitate this mad affair, he seeks the services of Arshad Warsi and Shreyas Talpade who are playing a director and a writer respectively. Ameesha Patel plays an actress and Preity Zinta, a small-town girl and Sunny's wife, tries to emulate her. Two very different worlds, Bollywood and the UP Underworld, collide with each and rub shoulders to create a laugh riot. Thus the movie depicts the story of a Varanasi based Don named 'Lal Bhaisahab Dubey'(Sunny Deol), whose only dream is to see himself on the big screen.

The movie has Sunny Deol as Lal Bhaisahab Dubey, Preity Zinta as Sapna Dubey, Ameesha Patel as Mallika, Arshad Warsi as Goldie Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade as Tarun Porno Ghosh, Sanjay Mishra as Dr. Gyan Prakash Buddisagar, Pankaj Tripathi as Builder Gupta, Jaideep Ahlawat as Helicopter Mishra, Evelyn Sharma, Mukul Dev, Brijendra Kala and Pankaj Jha.

The songs of the film are composed by Jeet Gannguli, Raghav Sachar, Amjad Nadeem, Sanjeev–Darshan and Neerraj Pathak and music produced by Aamir Khan, Aditya Dev, Chandan Saxena while the lyrics are written by Amjad Nadeem, Shabbir Ahmed, Kumaar, Neerraj Pathak and Sanjeev Chaturvedi. The film has songs like "Sleepy Sleepy Akhiyan", "Do Naina", "Om Namah Shivay", "Naam Hai Bhaiaji", "Baby Jaanleva Hai" and "Do Naina" (Shafqat Version).

The Dark Side Of Life Mumbai City

The Dark Side of Life: Mumbai City is an Indian Drama film set to be released on 23 November 2018. The film is written and directed by Tariq Khan and is produced by Rajesh Pardasani under the banner of Lakshya Productions. The film marks the acting debut of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt who stars alongside actor Kay Kay Menon in the film.

The Dark Side of Life: Mumbai City is a multi-plotted story which revolves around the lives of seven individuals who are pushed to the brink of depression while battling their emotional and financial problems. The film is set in the city of Mumbai. Will they fight through it or will they succumb to their circumstances? Mahesh Bhatt plays a painter in acting debut.The director gets all the credit for pushing him into this new role. Bhatt plays a Muslim father, who lives alone and his son lives in the US. He keeps a Hindu boy in his house as a tenant. Tariq has treated this relationship very sensitively, "especially in a city where people reach the point of giving up on life and commit suicide". The movie has a message for such people. "Keep on living and struggling with life. Newcomer Avi Pardasani plays the role of the Hindu boy, who lives with Bhatt's character Zulfikar Hussain, in the film.

The film has Mahesh Bhatt as Zulfiqar Hussain, Kay Kay Menon as Sumit Balsaria, Neha Khan as Kavya, Alisha Khan as Zohra, Avii Pardasni as Prince, Deepraj Rana as Warrren Lobo, Nikhil Ratnaparkhi as Anand, Jyoti Malshe as Parul and Gul Hameed as Kadambari.

Colour Photo

Colour Photo is a Bollywood drama, written and directed by Aziz Naser. The movie stars Gullu Dada, Aziz Naser, Shahbaz Khan, etc. in lead roles. Rajesh S S has scored the music for Rajesh S S.

Though he is utterly talentless and largely clueless, Quddus Tubewala is convinced that he is a great filmmaker. With two aspiring actors by his side and a roguish moneylender for a producer, Quddus sets out to make his dream cinema. The hilarious series of incidents that unfold during the filming of Quddus' low-budget masterpiece forms the crux of Colour Photo.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Trade War between Two Major World Economies' that was published in Newsband

Trade War between Two Major World Economies

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) organisation has its leaders principally led by the U.S. and China. The two clashed over the proposed wording of the document. The economic rivalry between Washington and Beijing appeared to fracture the 21-nation summit into two segments.

Washington led the charge on “unfair trade practices” under the Trump administration’s “America First” policy. Vice President Mike Pence, who attended on the President’s behalf, called upon nations to eschew loans that could leave them in a debt trap with Beijing. President Xi Jinping touted Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. The BRI has worried smaller Asian nations and the U.S., particularly given that China views the Asia-Pacific landscape as a means to secure economic predominance worldwide.

The troubles began over the summer when both countries started taxing billions worth of the other’s imports. If this continues, eventually global supply chains may be hit, and shrinking trade volumes may cause companies to seek out new trading routes and partners. The WTO may lose their authority. Asia will be at the heart of this war of attrition because strategic control of its high-value maritime trading routes is the key to China’s dreams of global trade dominance.

The world is still poised on the edge of the trade war vortex. Can the forthcoming G20 meeting in Argentina calm the situation.

The former Tanzanian president Julius Kambarage Nyerere once said "When Elephants fight it is grass that gets crushed. When elephants make love it is the grass that gets crushed". He was referring to USA and USSR. Today it is USA and China. But the grass remains.

China was well forwarding with its project based lending business worldwide and was busy on belt and road initiatives and CPEC plan at Pakistan. It is trying to create a right to navigate in Arabic sea by showing its investment in Lanka. But a sudden brake has been applied by Trump with America first policy and started restricting Chinas trade with US by import tariff. Now comes the headache for China and now it concentrates on stabilising its global trade rather than to money lending business. Until the end of the tenure of Trump China has to fumble and  Trump might do more damages to China's trade. China’s dream to bring Ren Mini as a global number one currency will never come true.

The trade issues that exist between America and China are due to different economic structures and development stages in the two countries. These issues can be resolved through dialogue and consultation. A trade war, instead of leading to any solution, will only end up hurting both sides and the global economy. The two sides find a “mutually acceptable solution” to the ongoing trade issue. Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet in Argentina later this month on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit.

The U.S. on November 5 imposed “the toughest ever” sanctions on a defiant Iran aimed at altering the Iranian regime’s “behaviour”. However, it temporarily allowed India, China and five other major importers to continue buying Iranian oil as they showed “significant reduction” in oil purchase from the Persian Gulf country. Thus the two countries (US and China) continue to confront important differences in the bilateral relationship.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Reservation issue' rhat was published in Newsband

Reservation issue

The Maratha community has secured yet another promise of reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. The proposal has been cleared by the Maharashtra Cabinet, but is yet to be passed in the State Assembly. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended this saying it is in line with the recommendations. State Backward Class Commission (SBCC) report mandates reservations for Marathas under a new, separate Socially and Educationally Backward Class category.

The BJP-Shiv Sena government has sought to provide the reservations under a separate category. The Cabinet’s nod is in any case born of political exigency, not socio-economic reasons. The SBCC’s report do not square with available data. As with Jats in Rajasthan and Patels in Gujarat, they enjoy a socio-economic status closer to that of the forward classes (and castes) in Maharashtra.

The assertions of backwardness by sections of dominant communities such as Marathas, Patels and Jats have largely been due to perceptions about the relative inability to move up the economic ladder. Affirmative actions are for the people who have any kind stigma attached with their name. In the past or may be in present as well, wherever the word "Maratha" is pronounced most of the times it is followed by the word ‘Pride’. How a community that is proud of its name and having valorous history would present itself backward.

Everyone wants a ' good quota'. Thousands of caste and sub- castes in the country should be given quota according to their proportion of population. Why leave out the Brahamins and Rajputs? Why not reservations for legislators too? It will open up a fresh demand from any community which feels that it is left out in the recruitment bazar.

Organisations of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) said that this was an attempt to give a share of their reservation to that community. They said the BJP-led State government had betrayed the OBCs. The Backward Classes Commission had an overwhelming majority of Marathas, and the report came out in favour of Marathas.

Fadnavis blamed the opposition for spreading the mis-information and attempt to create animosity within the communities over the Maratha reservation issue.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Coastal places should be able to tackle any disaster' that was published in Newsband

Coastal places should be able to tackle any disaster

Coastal districts are vulnerable against extreme weather events. Tamil Nadu was more prepared than before to deal with Cyclone Gaja when it made landfall between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam on November 16, but it still took a toll of at least 45 lives. The severe cyclonic storm damaged infrastructure, property and agriculture. Professionalising of disaster management more than 15 years ago appears to be paying off. Bureaucracies are able to provide early warning and in mitigating the impact of cyclones. The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project started by the Ministry of Home Affairs has been working to reduce the impact of such catastrophic events.

Tamil Nadu’s political parties have acted in a mature manner and kept partisan criticism from getting in the way of relief and rehabilitation after Gaja. The financial relief of ₹10 lakh that has been promised for families of the dead, compensation for lost crops, trees and livestock, provision of emergency health intervention and rehabilitation assistance to rebuild lives.

Coastal States must focus on reducing the hazard through policies that expand resilient housing, build better storm shelters and create financial mechanisms for insurance and compensation. T

Two months ago heavy rains and floods devastated Kodagu in Karnataka. Three months after the floods, signs of devastation are still everywhere. In Thantipala, the van of a local resident lies almost fully buried in sand left behind by flood water. Mounds of flood residue comprising mud and broken trees line up either side of the road paved out. Large coffee estates have been wiped out.

 Apart from dealing with coming to terms with the present, many are worried about the future. The Kodagu district administration has identified 840 beneficiaries who will be given houses in the first phase. The government will approve one of the five model houses being built by different agencies and companies. The beneficiaries were chosen based on applications and cross verification with agencies such as the gram panchayats. Some people had expressed willingness to build houses on their own, for which the government would provide some compensation, and they too could utilise the technology implemented in the model houses. The unit cost is yet to be decided,

The Kerala Fire Force Officers Association (KFOA) has called for the setting up of task forces under the Fire and Rescue Services Department in all district headquarters for disaster management. An intensive training programme on the lines of that for police commandos has also been sought for fire services personnel to equip them to handle disasters.

The biggest hurdle to disaster management these days is the lack of emergency tenders that can be used in all terrains. Also, many of our squad members are unskilled in handling rescue equipment used during landslips, a change in the situation was possible only through the formation of a new task force.

The department needs a fair strength of scuba divers for deep water rescue operations, and there is a need for experienced hands in each sector for quick response. There is need to form fully-equipped task forces in all districts with members who are well-trained in disaster mitigation and rescue services. There should be at least one amphibious rescue vehicle for each division to add teeth to the project.

There is a need to call for the formation of district-level task forces rather than putting the whole responsibility on the newly constituted community-level rescue volunteers group. There is need for intervention of the government to introduce a suitable working dress for rescue squad members. This is in addition to demands for the formation of an exclusive research and development wing for the Fire and Rescue Services Department and an investigation team to probe fire-related cases.

Video: Editor Dinesh Kamath and Columnist C K Subramaniam felicitated by Guru M...

Editor of Newsband Dinesh Kamath with Columnist C K Subramaniam during a function held at Navi Mumbai Tamil Sangam Hall

Video: Editor Dinesh Kamath and Columnist C K Subramaniam of Newsband Felicitated

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'To sing or not to sing?' that was published in Newsband

To sing or not to sing?

T.M. Krishna is a leading Carnatic vocalist. His scheduled participation in a Spic Macay programme this weekend was always going to be a big draw. The programme was abruptly cancelled, after its sponsor, the Airports Authority of India, suddenly bailed out.

Did this happen because Krishna IS outspoken critic of the Narendra Modi government. Did the AAI surrender to social media threats? As a musician, Krishna has attempted to break barriers of orthodoxy, caste and class. For instance, the Magsaysay awardee favoured some Carnatic musicians who sang Christian compositions. He has also contested the structural rigidities of the Carnatic music world.

However, the Delhi government has done well to step in and organise a concert of his at another venue. The AAI may not have acted on its own. Maybe they could not stand up in the face of intolerance and intimidation.

T M Krishna has emerged as a silver lining on the edge of a dark cloud that is spreading and eclipsing the old, plural, democratic India. He is not only an innovative artiste; greater still is his role as a public intellectual-activist, who has boldly taken cudgels against 'fundamentalism'.

Krishna should sing. And Krishna should write. And Krishna should speak. Those who disagree with his views can always refrain from going to his concerts or talks or hearing or seeing his performances or his express their disagreement through the written word, but to bring about a cancellation of his concert is to deny those who either support his views or simply don't care about his politics.

Some say that his programme was cancelled not because of his attack on Narendra Modi and his government The US organisers, a Mysore sabha and now AAI cancelled his programmes due to his unnecessary and unwarranted comments on various issues including Carnatic Music. He could have desisted from all these controversies. His forte was/is Carnatic Music and he could have spent his time and energy by singing to greater heights.

Why are people complaining about such decisions one way or other? TM Krishna boycotts December season. 15 years or so back TM Krishna boycotted Hamsadhvani Sabha after accepting an invitation as they invited a HIndustani musician to preside over a function. If people or sabhas want to listen to TM Krishna they will invite. If Krishna wants to sing he will sing. Accept it the way it is and move on.

Video: Super Editor Dinesh Kamath

Dinesh Kamath, Editor of Daily Newspaper Newsband, felicitated by Mridangam Vidwan Guru M S Parmeswaran of Parmeswaran Kalalaya Foundation during a Musical Event presented by the Foundation at Navi Mumbai Tamil Sangam Hall at Vashi in Navi Mumbai on Friday 16 November 2018

Dinesh Kamath, Editor of Daily Newspaper Newsband, felicitated by Mridangam Vidwan Guru M S Parmeswaran of Parmeswaran Kalalaya Foundation during a Musical Event presented by the Foundation at Navi Mumbai Tamil Sangam Hall at Vashi in Navi Mumbai on Friday 16 November 2018

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Another milestone by ISRO' that was published in Newsband

Another milestone by ISRO

The Indian Space Research Organisation has marked a big milestone. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MarkIII (GSLV MkIII) launched GSAT29, an advanced communications satellite, into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. The satellite took off from a launchpad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota. ISRO’s master control facility at Hassan assumed the command and control of the satellite. The multi-band, multi-beam satellite can cater to the communication needs of people in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast.

The first successful experimental flight of the GSLV MkIII was in 2014. This proved its capacity in the atmospheric flight regime. Its first developmental flight was on June 5, 2017, when it launched GSAT19. The present launch marked the second developmental flight of the MkIII. With these two successes, the launcher is declared ‘operational’ and joins the ranks of the working vehicles, the PSLV and the GSLV.

The GSLV MkIII has not just boosted the satellite into its orbit, but also restored morale at ISRO, which had been dented by the GSAT 6A setback. This launch proves that India could have been still more advanced in the fields of designing, engineering and manufacturing. Smart people here try to become politicians, godmen or bureaucrats. There is a contempt for science and scientific approach.

The magnificent efforts of ISRO and its entire team should be appreciated by all the Indians. This is another scientific achievement in indian astronomy and space research.

India’s adventures in the space with the unison of technology and impeccable leadership under Prime Minister is remarkable. We are treading on the path of new dawn in space advancement. The earlier finding of any natural disaster due to surveillance of satellites has led to the saving of lives and property. Kudos to our scientists for their hard work and dedication!