Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'To sack Kumble or not?' that was published in Newsband

To sack Kumble or not?

The Indian cricket team begins its title defence in the ICC Champions Trophy in England from June 1 to 18. The buzz would be about India’s match against Pakistan at Birmingham on June 4. However, all is not right in the dressing room. The head coach Anil Kumble’s one-year contract will end after the Champions Trophy. Leaks have surfaced about Kumble seeking a higher pay package for the Indian players and support staff. The anti-Kumble campaign was sharpened with suggestions that Kohli is not comfortable with his “overbearing” ways. The differences between coach and skipper does nobody any good. But a decision on retaining Anil Kumble as head coach of Indian cricket team must not be muddied with personal agendas.

The Kumble-Kohli combination has delivered excellent results. Very often, Indian cricket courts controversies in one way or the other. After a good season of wins, personal clashes crop up and media adds fuel to the fire. Thus, money and man become more important than the game. This hinders the progress of the game and its players. This coach was hailed as a brave cricketer in his heyday, a cricketer of modest talents. He expected the same from the cricketers when he took over as boss. That must have created the problem.

Because India is on the verge of appointing a new coach and Anil Kumble is the frontrunner, picked by a three-member panel consisting of his former peers, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. Kumble "gave the longest presentation" and had the most convincing replies to the main question: "How will they help the team win abroad?" Without a doubt, he was a great player, one of the best the country has produced, but what are his coaching credentials?

Why not Ravi Shastri, who has done a great job with the team over the past 22 months and has bonded really well with the Test captain Virat Kohli? Why break that partnership?

Why not Tom Moody. Being from "abroad", he would understand the requisites of winning overseas a lot better. So, is Kumble really the best choice we have? Only time will tell.

Virat Kohli had apprehensions about Anil Kumble right from the start. He had similar problems with another coach Ray Jennings. South African Ray Jennings was one of the first coaches that Kohli worked with at the IPL team in Bangalore a year after. Jennings was sacked and days after Kohli was named Indian captain. According to Jennings, it was Kohli who pushed for a change of coach. Daniel Vettori replaced him.  

According to Jennings, “A hard coach can keep pushing and prodding the players of the team but the relationship between the captain and coach has to be good. The trust has to be there.” ” Here is where the Kohli-Kumble issue gets complicated. Sources in the dressing room say that Kohli had apprehensions about Kumble right from the start. During IPL 2 and 3 (2009-10) Kohli and Kumble worked at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Back then, even though Kohli was a rising star, there was no question about who was the real powerhouse. Kumble called the shots then but times have changed. Today, Kohli is the heavyweight

There are a few others who say Kumble, with little tips and timely suggestions to bowlers during the Australia Test series, actually helped them get successes. But ultimately much will depend on how Ganguly & Co. view the situation.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'The loopholes in our education system' that was published in Newsband

The loopholes in our education system

Our education system needs a better evaluation mechanism for students. It is extraordinary that tests for non-quantitative subjects such as English and Political Science yield perfect scores of 100% in the CBSE examination and elsewhere, giving the impression that the questions require to be answered only within a limited framework laid out in a textbook, leaving little scope for creative responses that reflect the quality of teaching in the classroom.

India’s school system must prepare an evaluation mechanism for students. Reform should recognise the role of the teacher in ensuring genuine learning and encouraging creativity. An external test that evaluates sound learning is the answer,

Transparency in education system is must for any state or country. But unfortunately, this fact is not considered seriously in our country. Today, many prestigious schools appoint unexperienced and less qualified faculty at low remuneration. Many secondary schools’ faculties are not satisfied with their salary. So, they open their own private coaching centre. As a result, the temptation of more money make them ignore their schools’ students. So, first of all, we need to bring transparency in our education system.

Education system is backbone of nation. It is high time we had a single system of education and assessment policy nationwide, formulated at top level and managed by state. This various system followed in our education is widening the gaps among have and have-not section of society. Most of the prestigious institutes for MBA such as IIM s and FMS Delhi and many other institutes gives a handsome head start on the basis of academic background. This is unfair for students from state boards where this process of modernization does not happen and where topper end up scoring 95% as compared to CBSE. This faulty process must be abolished.

Indian evaluation system is opaque' from top to bottom. The marking system does not reflect students capabilities: rather it reflects teachers partiality towards students and their ability of appreciation. Thus, independent evaluation system is necessary for true assessment.

Yes, we need a better evaluation system, however, we need a better mindset of our leaders to understand this first. The grim reality of our education is different from our thoughts. Toppers with 500/500 are not able to solve 3 digit or 4 digit division. Our education is based on theory. The students read and learn for exam like parrot and don't have enough knowledge of their subjects.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Rules related to animal slaughter invites many comments' that was published in Newsband

Rules related to animal slaughter invites many comments

There is a need to improve the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (PCA). There should be regulation of the sale of all kinds of livestock bought and sold in animal markets. There should be prohibitions on the cruelty inflicted in the transport and treatment of animals, especially cattle like cows, buffaloes, bulls and camels, which come under a slew of special restrictions

Rules relating to animal cruelty needs to be improved considerably. The Act prohibits only the “infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering” when animals are consumed as food.

Recently the purchase or sale of cattle for slaughter in animal markets has been prohibited. This has invited many types of comments from various sources in the country.

First comment: India is a country with varied practices. Cattle rearing is an important source of revenue of farmers. Already farmers are in great stress with drought, loans, poor labor etc, this will affect the livelihood of farmers, economically.

Second comment: A balance must be maintained. If we are talking about environmental concerns, prohibition in cattle slaughtering may increase the number of cattle leading to increase in the demand of food for those cattle i.e plants. Not that one should slaughter cattle in large scale. Instead there should be a law which must maintain a balance.

Third comment: It is people and not the government who decide what is to be eaten by them. This is the right of the people, and no one can dictate what is to be eaten and what not to be eaten. It is not a country ruled by kings whom the subject or people just obey. It is democracy.

Fourth comment: The ban is a step towards destruction of economy. Many people who depend on cattle trade may be adversely affected by the present policy. As far as new law is concerned, there is no solid ground on what made government to come out with new law. These provisions gives more hands to cow vigilants to span their network and to take law into their hands. There have been many provisions/rules under Indian constitution but most of the rules are not followed and bothered about. Hence, Government instead of bringing up new rules and provisions like this should instead focus on economy and welfare. There cannot be opposite mind sets in the government where one is trying to reach Mars and the other is going back to olden days to impose unnecessary restrictions.

Fifth comment: This situation reminds one of famous drama by Shakespeare. The Merchant Shylock wanted A Pound of Flesh from Antonia and Portia points out the problem of getting the Flesh alone without a drop of blood. Here the meat eating is allowed without slaughtering the Cows.

Sixth comment: The decision to ban slaughter of animals is totally confusing and it affects the livelihood of more than 20% of people who live below the poverty line. Government has to clarify which type of animals are not fit for agriculture and which one is? If government is concerned about illegal slaughter house which operate widely in various states then it should have to form new rules and regulation which controls and prevents with strict punishment. The recent cattle trade rule spreads confusion and chaos among people whose livestock depends on this.

Seventh comment: Pork consumption is banned in most of the Middle Eastern Muslim countries, including Pakistan. The morning starts in the UK and USA with bacon and eggs. They kill millions of pigs in the UK. People cannot consume pork as per law in all Muslim countries. Saudis completely banned pork consumption, pig breeding. So, what is wrong if in India - a Hindu country – there is ban on cow slaughter.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Let law be equal for both rich and poor' that was published in Newsband

Let law be equal for both rich and poor

That bail is the norm and jail the exception is a principle that is applicable to the affluent, the powerful and the influential. It has become the norm for the rich and powerful to get bail with ease, while others languish in prison. Bail practices must be “fair and evidence-based”. Poor prisoners are unable to afford bail bonds or provide sureties. The Law Commission’s report recommending a set of significant changes to the law on bail deserves urgent attention.

The Commission seeks to grant relief to thousands of prisoners languishing without trial and to decongest India’s overcrowded prisons. In general terms, the Commission cautions the police against needless arrests and magistrates against mechanical remand orders.

But bail law reform is not the panacea for all problems of the criminal justice system. The solution lies in expediting the trial process. The bail law reform does need urgent attention. There should not be delay in such reformation because, in our judicial system, delay is the primary source of injustice. There should not be partiality with rich and poor in the condition of justice. Although it’s not the entire solution to our wretched justice delivery system, nevertheless it would be good start to plug or fill the hole in our system.

Judiciary always arbitrarily used the power for granting bail. Attitude of judges sometimes leads to miscarriage of justice. Justice delayed is justice denied, this proverb should be taken seriously. Law should be equal in granting bail, irrespective of rich and poor. As poor are unable to pay bonds, they remain languishing in jail for longer duration, whereas as rich and influential person for same crime and even worse gets bails easily and even delays the date/extension of date according to their will and till the tampering of investigation is completed.

First of all, if the representatives of the people are honest, the crime graph would come down. Legal system in India needs a thorough overhaul, especially the laws relating to bail. The wealthy and politically influential are taking advantage while the poorest sections are unable to come out of the cobweb of legality and procedures relating to bail Great need is felt to make suitable amendments in Criminal Procedures Code with specific reference to ease bails to accused who are facing lot of time in the jails till final disposal of cases. This may not only be helpful to reduce the flooding of jails and government expenditures incurred on them but also help accused to earn livelihood for their family. Further, corruption and high fee being charged by advocates will also be diminished. This may also help police officials and reduce the expenditures for transportation of accused from jails to courts and back to destination.

Further, efforts should also be made to bring Anti-Torture Act for betterment of criminal-judicial-system in the Country. Recommendations remain as recommendations for ever only to be taken credit of by political parties on stage. Why should innocents and petty offenders be kept under incarceration for a period of half the sentence or more when the same yardstick is not applied to rich and powerful? All are equal before law. Isn't it a blot on the Justice System of India if bail is the norm and jail is the exception to the affluent, the powerful, the influential and above all the corrupt or criminal Politicians while thousands of prisoners languish in jails without trial?

Another solution is expediting the trial process but not the alternatives recommended by the Law Commission. Trial or bail should be the overarching principle and nothing else be it a pauper or a politician.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Election Commission’s move is welcome' that was published in Newsband

Election Commission’s move is welcome

Electronic Voting Machines ("EVM") are being used in Indian General and State Elections to implement electronic voting in part from 1999 elections and recently in 2017 state elections held in five states across India. EVMs have replaced paper ballots in local, state and general (parliamentary) elections in India. There were earlier claims regarding EVMs' tamparability and security which have not been proved. After rulings of Delhi High Court, Supreme Court and demands from various political parties, Election Commission decided to introduce EVMs with Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) system. The Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) system was introduced in 8 of 543 parliamentary constituencies as a pilot project in Indian general election, 2014.

The electronic voting machine has been under strong scrutiny ever since it was deployed in the 1990s. EVM is not reliant on computer software or networked components. Questions have been therefore raised about the possibility of EVM-tampering. The Election Commission has evolved improvements over time to address these concerns, and has strengthened technical and administrative safeguards to prevent any manipulation.

These steps have obviously not satisfied some political parties which have used the logic of machine fallibility to claim that their recent electoral losses were a consequence of EVM tampering rather than actual voter choice.

The EC’s challenge to political parties to participate in a hackathon on June 3, to test out manipulation of EVMs with the various safeguards in place, is welcome.

Finding no way out the defeated political leaders are blaming EVMs for no apparent reason. Either they should come out and hack the machines or apologize publicly.

Video: Some of the short films made by Dinesh Kamath

Some of the short films made by Dinesh Kamath in which he played the lead roles

Below: Imitating Tony Montana of movie 'Scarface'

Below: Enacting scenes from movie 'The Godfather'

                      Below:Inspired by movie 'Shakti'

                     Below: Inspired by movie 'Deewar'

                    Below: Inspired by movie 'Zanjeer"

Below: Imitating Marlon Brando from movie 'The Godfather'

               Below:Animation Film 'Puno Aur Fena'

       Below: Semi Animation Film 'Dino And Teddy'
                                  

    Below: Dinesh Kamath interviewed by Isahaq Shaikh

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Navi Mumbai is on the right track' that was published in Newsband

Navi Mumbai is on the right track

Civic project of conducting a survey of properties in the city using Lidar-based technology was finally approved by the general body of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation on Friday. The high-tech survey would cost NMMC around Rs 20 crore.

The civic conservancy staff will also be paid wages as per Minimum Wages Act. The 2,646 conservancy workers employed by NMMC will now be paid Rs 25,000.

Talking about project one can’t help but agree that Navi Mumbai is a beautiful planned city. The development plan for Navi Mumbai envisages planning and development of various nodes or townships. The major job centres are planned at a number of locations taking into account the existing and future proximity of infrastructure, availability of port, natural gas etc.

The International Infotech Park (IIP) at Vashi, the Technology Centre at Belapur, and the Millennium Business Park at Mhape and the IT Hardware Park at Dronagiri offer tremendous potential for business related to computer hardware and software. Offices are available in these buildings for setting up Business in information technology, electronics, telecommunication and related industry. The best about this is that a single window clearance has been provided in the IIP to take care of all government formalities. Reliance Industries Ltd has set up biggest IT park and telecommunication centre in TBIA area. Reliance Industries Ltd is also on its way to set up three more SEZ in the vicinity of Navi Mumbai. Navi Mumbai is on the right track for becoming the Silicon Valley of India.

A host of unique projects are on the anvil, such as the Multiplex and Family Entertainment Complex, International Exhibition Centre, Amusement Park, Golf Course, International IT Hardware Park and the like of it are expected to put-up Navi Mumbai on to the world map.

The Maharashtra Government has offered following incentives to the Corporates taking up offices in these parks: Property transactions within the Parks shall be exempted from Stamp Duty with Registration Charges subjected to a maximum of Rs.1000. Electricity Duty has been waived. If Octroi has been levied it shall be refunded. Sales Tax @ 2% only shall only be levied on Computer Hardware Products. The IT Hardware Park at Dronagiri has been awarded with all those additional incentives, which are offered to industrially backward areas.

Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘New movies released in Navi Mumbai’ (Sachin: A Billion Dreams, Sargoshiyan, The Lost City of Z and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Salazar’s Revenge) that was published in Newsband

New movies released in city

By Dinesh Kamath

Sachin A Billion Dreams

Sachin: A Billion Dreams is a 2017 Indian biographical film written and directed by James Erskine and produced by Ravi Bhagchandka and Carnival Motion Pictures under 200 NotOut Productions. The film is based on the life of Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. The film captures Tendulkar's cricket and personal life in substantial detail, as well as reveals few aspects of his life which have never been heard of or seen before. The film is simultaneously shot in Hindi, Marathi and English. Dubs of this film will be released in Tamil and Telugu.

"Sachin: A Billion Dreams" is an Indian biographical film based on the life of Indian cricket icon and living legend Sachin Tendulkar. A tale of a restless 10-year-old boy and his journey from watching India's first World Cup winning skipper Kapil Dev lift the trophy, to the fulfillment of his dream of holding it in his hands for India. He is the most celebrated sportsperson in India, a virtuous hero who created an era, which Indians are proud of. The film captures Tendulkar's dedication to cricket and his personal life in dramatic detail, as well as reveals aspects of his life which have never been heard or seen before.

The film has Sachin Tendulkar as himself, Arjun Tendulkar as himself, Mayuresh Pem as Nitin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni as himself, Anjali Tendulkar as herself, Virender Sehwag as himself and Sara Tendulkar as herself.

The music of the film is composed by A.R. Rahman, while lyrics is written by Irshad Kamil. The full soundtrack consisting 3 tracks. The lyrics for Tamil songs were written by Madhan Karky. The Hindi tracks are "Hind Mere Jind", "Sachin Sachin" and "Mard Maratha". The Tamil tracks are "Indhianey Vaa" and "Sachin Sachin".

Sargoshiyan

Sargoshiyan (English: Whispers) is a 2017 Indian travel drama film directed and produced by Imran Khan under his banner ‘Imran Khans Production. The film is completely shot in Kashmir and explores the never seen before breath taking places.

The story of the film is weaved around Kashmir and Kashmiri people's simplicity, pride and Kashmiriyat. It's a very simple and interesting theme, all about Kashmir where J&K and the Kashmiri people are central to certain developments taking place in the movie. In the recent past, Kashmir has been portrayed in many films for the unrest in the region, however in this film there is no violence and the movie depicts the beauty and chastity of Kashmir and Kashmiris. The movie portrays how even today Muslims and Pandit’s stay in harmony in the J&K valley. The film travels through lots of beautiful locations in Kashmir which have never been shown before. It's a soul-searching journey for the characters where they meet different people undergoing their challenges in very difficult conditions and yet they are positive, hopeful and facing the harsh realities of life with a 'never say die' attitude.

The film has Alok Nath as Pandit Raina, Farida Jalal as Rahima bi, Imran Khan as Imran Dar, Inderneil Sengupta as Vikram Roy, Shahbaz Khan as Hamza Gujjar, Aditi Bhatia as Payal, Sara Khan as Sheena Oberoi, Tom Alter as Alan Alter, Hasan Zaidi as Aryan Raina, Aparna Kumar as Ragini, Khalid Siddiqui as bank manager, Zameer Ashai as Historian Sarfaraz Sahab, GM Wani as Ghulam Chacha and Zahoor Zaidi as Nabeer houseboat owner.

The Lost City of Z

The Lost City of Z is a 2016 American biographical adventure drama film written and directed by James Gray, based on the 2009 book of the same name by David Grann. It describes real events surrounding British explorer Percy Fawcett who was sent to Bolivia and later made several attempts to find an ancient lost city in the Amazon and disappeared in 1925 along with his son on an expedition. It stars Charlie Hunnam as Fawcett along with Robert Pattinson as his fellow explorer Henry Costin and Sienna Miller as his wife Nina Fawcett.

In 1925, Lieutenant Colonel Percy Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam), a British military-man-turned-explorer, searches for a lost city deep in the Amazon. His quest grows into an increasingly feverish, decades-long magnificent obsession that takes a toll on his reputation, his home life with his wife (Sienna Miller) and children, and his very existence.

The film has Charlie Hunnam as Percy Fawcett, Robert Pattinson as Corporal Henry Costin, Sienna Miller as Nina Fawcett, Tom Holland as Jack Fawcett, Bobby Smalldridge as 7-year-old Jack Fawcett, Tom Mulheron as young Jack Fawcett, Angus Macfadyen as James Murray, Edward Ashley as Corporal Arthur Manley, Ian McDiarmid as Sir George Goldie, Franco Nero as Baron de Gondoriz, Harry Melling as William Barclay, John Sackville as Simon Beauclerk, Adam Bellamy as Cecil Gosling and Daniel Huttlestone as Brian Fawcett.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (also known as Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge) is a 2017 American fantasy swashbuckler film, and the fifth installment in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. The film is directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg from a script by Jeff Nathanson, with Jerry Bruckheimer serving again as producer. Johnny Depp, Kevin McNally and Geoffrey Rush reprise their roles as Jack Sparrow, Joshamee Gibbs and Hector Barbossa, respectively. The film also stars Javier Bardem as Armando Salazar, Brenton Thwaites as Henry Turner and Kaya Scodelario as Carina Smyth. The film also features the returns of Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley as Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann respectively, following their absence from the fourth installment, On Stranger Tides. The filmmakers cited the first installment, The Curse of the Black Pearl, as inspiration for the script and tone of the film.

Captain Jack Sparrow is pursued by an old nemesis, Armando Salazar, who along with his Spanish Navy ghost crew has escaped from the Devil's Triangle and is determined to kill every pirate at sea. Jack, aided by his new allies Henry and Carina, must seek the Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artefact that grants its possessor total control over the seas, in order to defeat Salazar.

The movie has Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow: The eccentric but noble pirate captain of the Black Pearl on the hunt for the Trident of Poseidon, which bestows control over the seas. Anthony De La Torre portrays a younger Jack Sparrow. Javier Bardem as Captain Armando Salazar: A powerful and maniacal undead pirate hunter of the Spanish Navy who was trapped in the Devil's Triangle. After escaping, he seeks the Trident of Poseidon to wipe out all piracy and exact revenge on his old enemy, Captain Jack Sparrow. Brenton Thwaites as Henry Turner: The son of Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann and a young man who tries to reconnect with his father. He struggles to break a curse that is preventing him from doing so. Kaya Scodelario as Carina Smyth: A feisty, altruistic astronomer. Kevin McNally as Joshamee Gibbs: Captain Jack's loyal friend and First Mate. Geoffrey Rush as Captain Hector Barbossa: The one-legged pirate captain of the Queen Anne's Revenge, former captain of the Black Pearl, and Captain Jack's former rival-turned-ally. In the film Barbossa has become extremely wealthy since the previous film, with Rush referring to him as a "corporate pirate," having amassed a fleet of ships under his command and encrusted his peg-leg with jewels. Orlando Bloom as Captain William "Will" Turner, Jr.: a blacksmith-turned-pirate who was transformed into the Captain of the Flying Dutchman at the end of At World's End. Golshifteh Farahani as Shansa: a sea-witch and ally of Captain Barbossa. Stephen Graham as Scrum: Barbossa's crewmember of the Queen Anne's Revenge, former member of Blackbeard's crew. David Wenham as Scarfield: A British Royal Navy officer. Martin Klebba as Marty A member of Jack Sparrow's crew. Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Swann: Will Turner's wife and Henry's mother. Angus Barnett as Mullroy. Giles New as Murtogg. Adam Brown as Jib. Danny Kirrane as Bollard. Delroy Atkinson as Maddox. Paul McCartney as Jack Sparrow's uncle.  

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Encroachments in Navi Mumbai' that was published in Newsband

Encroachments in Navi Mumbai

Illegal vendors armed with makeshift kitchens once again dared to encroach at NMMT's Vashi station bus depot. When the authorities were informed about this encroachment they just promised to crack the whip on the illegal vendors soon. This renovated NMMT depot has been home to illegal vendors and they leave no space for the commuters. They even keep gas cylinders which is dangerous as it is a crowded place quite close to the station bus shelter. The worst thing is these vendors are not frightened of the authorities. It is a routine for the authorities to conduct demolition drives time and again and every time after they carry out the demolition drive, the vendors appear once again at the same place.

The Bombay high court (HC) recently had rapped the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation for encroaching upon two plots owned by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and forcibly converting them into a private garden attached to the mayor’s bungalow. Now this is another form of encroachment indulged in by the city authorities themselves. The authorities who are supposed to prevent encroachments by others, are indulging in encroachments. The bench directed the NMMC to clarify its stand on whether it wishes to return the land or pay market price for the plots.

There was a public interest litigation filed saying that public funds were used to develop and maintain a private garden for the mayor’s bungalow. The petition said CIDCO had refused permission for change of user from residential to private utilities or garden in respect of six plots admeasuring about 3,000 square metres on Parsik Hills. The court just left to CIDCO to take a call whether or not to give permission for change user of the land. At the same time, the bench also directed NMMC to file an affidavit making clear its stand about the plots – either to handover the plots back to CIDCO or pay the market price.

In the recent times, however, the anti encroachment wings of Cidco and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) have been doing marvellous job by razing many illegal structures after obtaining court orders. But yet the menace of encroachment has not lessened. The city authorities have to come up with a permanent solution to prevent encroachment anywhere in the city. 

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Will the lotus bloom in PCMC?' that was published in Newsband

Will the lotus bloom in PCMC?

With the campaigning for Panvel Municipal Corporation civic polls coming to an end, the political race has become an interesting game. All parties sent out a clear signal that they were certain to emerge victorious. From the BJP camp CM Devendra Fadnavis identified himself with the development of the civic body —from international airport project to Metro and other infrastructure plans. BJP's Panvel MLA Prashant Thakur, who has been spearheading the party campaign, has worked really hard this time.

In the recently-held BMC elections, the BJP and Sena's displayed their willingness to work together, despite the rivalry between Devendra Fadnavis and Uddhav Thackeray. On Sunday, while the CM held a rally in New Panvel and Kharghar, the Sena chief addressed a gathering in Kamothe.

Both BJP and Sena are trying hard to go past the half-way mark of 40 seats. Sena put forward their important man Adesh Bandekar, well-known Marathi actor and public relation chief of Raigad district who displayed confidence that those Sena men who have come from Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli and elsewhere and have made Panvel city their home would opt of Sena rule.

Meanwhile, the BSKP that is spearheading the grand alliance of Congress, NCP and a faction of the RPI is also hoping to cash in on their combined strength and a vote split due to the BJP and Sena rift.

While Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray spared no-one in his scathing attack against the BJP, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tread a cautious line and sought to sell his party's developmental agenda. Thackeray, who had supported the passage of GST bill in the Maharashtra Assembly, was scathingly critical of the Maharashtra government. While CM asked the Panvel residents to make the lotus bloom in PCMC elections, Thackeray on the other hand warned that if the lotus blooms in Panvel, then the city will turn into muck.

Thackeray criticised the BJP on various fronts, from farm loan waivers to the Centre's policy towards Pakistan. Thackeray made it clear that his party is committed to the well-being of farmers and people. He also warned that once his party gets into the battle field they will not back out till they win.

Thackeray also criticised the BJP's ambitious Mumbai-Nagpur Samurddhi Expressway project and said that the project may be good to bring both capitals nearer, but it is wrong to take away lands of farmers forcibly for the Expressway. His idea was to make farmers prosperous first and then carry out the project.

Thackeray did not spare even Prime Minister Narendra Modi and lashed out against his note ban and his poll promises, Thackeray said that despite demonetisation there has been no decline in black money or cross-border terrorism, as promised by Modi.

However, CM seemed to play his cards very coolly and kept repeating that his party was contesting only on development issue. Even MLA Prasnaht Thakur assured the people that the new corporation would be the face of development of the state government. Both CM and MLA urged the people to give their party a clear mandate to ensure hurdle-free development.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Penalize helmetless bikers' that was published in Newsband

Penalize helmetless bikers

Raigad traffic police stopped and warned may motorcyclists along the Mumbai-Goa highway, between Wadkhal and Pen, for not wearing the mandatory safety helmets on Saturday. This is one of the biggest road safety drives conducted by the traffic cops along the busy highways. The police did not issue challans or collect any fines. They just warned the offenders. The penalty is now a stiff Rs 500 per head for helmetless driving,

It is also often seen that bikers go 'triple seat' on a single motorcycle. This dangerous practice also needs to be stopped

Use of Helmets is a strategy for preventing head injuries caused by motorcycle crash or fall. Anyone who decides to ride a motorcycle must consider that wearing of helmets is the most effective strategy for preventing injuries from a crash or fall. It is very evident that a rider is very vulnerable in crashing or falling even though how knowledgeable and alert a rider he is. However, statistics will show that, despite repeated warnings and terrible stories about motorcycle and bicycle accidents most people still do not see the necessity and safety of wearing helmets.

Wearing of helmets is the responsibility of the person subjected to risk. To be aware of the risk is oftentimes a retraining experience, but it is the best routine to observe whether you are taking a short ride or go for distance on your bike. Meaning, the prescribed helmet should be worn every time you ride on your bike.

A study on the importance of wearing helmet was done at John Hopkins Medical School, which was recently published in the Journals of the American College of Surgeons. The study gave emphasis on the necessity of wearing a helmet and other appropriate safety gear every time a person operates a motorcycle. According to the study, bike riders who are consistent in wearing their helmets are twenty-two percent lesser prone to be victimized with cervical spine injury and wearing a helmet will prevent them from experiencing more fatal injuries. Riders wearing helmets are thirty-seven percent less probable to be killed in a motorcycle accident and sixty-four percent lesser chances of suffering from traumatic brain injury.

With the number of fatalities reported yearly in all states, it is evident that wearing of helmet is indeed one of the strategies to prevent head injuries that may eventually cause death during a motorcycle crash or fall. To protect the rider from fatal head injury, wearing of a reliable motorcycle helmet is crucial. The initial benefit of wearing motorcycle helmets is the protection it provides as they absorb the impact of a crash or fall. Scratches on arms and knees are easier to treat than a serious damage to the head that may cause death.

Whether the price is expensive or cheap motorcycle helmets do not only protect the head from injury, but they provide protection against strong wind, dust, and smoke. Too much wind and dust may harm the eyes that will make it difficult for the rider to have a good vision of the road.

One safety measure to ensure that your bicycle helmet will effectively protect you when you ride your bike is to occasionally check and inspect your helmet if it needs a repair or replacement. Check the exterior covering of your helmet it there are cracks or abrasion that reveals an impact.

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Meet Your Favorite Toon Friends At Toon Fest Inorbit Mall, Vashi' that was published in Newsband

Meet Your Favorite Toon Friends At Toon Fest Inorbit Mall, Vashi

~ Meet MIGHTY RAJU, SUPER BHEEM, ‘CHHOTA’BHEEM and CHUTKI over a fun filled weekend at Inorbit Mall, Vashi ~

By Dinesh Kamath

Above Inorbit Mall

NAVI MUMBAI: Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! It is dream come true for every kid to personally meet their loved cartoon characters. If watching them on screen is a delight, then meeting them in person is an unforgettable experience. The most popular shopping destination of Navi Mumbai, Inorbit Malls is all set to fulfil your child’s dream of meeting some of the most adorable characters. The mall is hosting “The Toon Fest” – a summer kids carnival where you can meet Mighty Raju and Super Bheem on 27^th and 28^th May 2017. Also Chhota Bheem and Chutki will be visiting the mall on 3^rd June and 4^th June 2017. Children can not only catch a glimpse of these characters live but also capture this moment on camera.

In addition to this, the mall has planned some exciting activities and games that will surely spreading smile and joy among every kid. Children can indulge themselves in these interactive activities and win whole lot of surprises. Come to Inorbit mall, Vashi and experience a memorable weekend.

Block the dates on your calendar and rejoice an evening filled with fun.

Details:

Meet Mighty Raju and Super Bheem on 27^th and 28^th May 2017 3 pm onwards

Meet Chhota Bheem and Chutki 3^rd June and 4^th June 2017 3 pm onwards

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'PCMC will have its first elections on May 24' that was published in Newsband

PCMC will have its first elections on May 24

The maiden elections for the Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC) will be held on May 24 after it came into existence in October last year.

Major parties such as BJP, Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP are all set for the civic polls. BJP leaders are in no mood to relax after its landslide triumph in BMC elections 2017 and Congress are campaigning hard to win PCMC elections 2017.

The PCMC has 20 wards in which they have 78 corporators. BJP is contesting from 75 seats with its alliance RPI (A) in two seats and PRP in one. Similarly, Congress is contesting 18 seats and its alliance PWP is contesting 48 seats, and NCP 12 seats. The Shiv Sena is contesting 68 seats, while its partner Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghthana is contesting 5 seats.

It’s just few days left for the Panvel civic polls and the high voltage drama has started in 78 wards across Panvel old city including Kharghar, Kamothe, Kalmboli, New Panvel, Taloja and 29 adjoining villages and many places under the civic body. The campaigning of all major political parties in the Panvel civic polls has reached its peak. The political parties are offering free fuel, biryani, snacks, cold drinks and even alcohol, besides a decent daily allowance for the campaigning.

As far as Panvel City Municipal Corporation Elections 2017 is concerned, even the students are joining poll rallies. Around 20,000 youths have been temporarily recruited by the candidates to support voters. This is the chance for the college students, to earn some extra pocket money during summer vacation. This is a golden opportunity for unemployed to earn anything between Rs 300 and 800 daily apart from the petrol expenditure of Rs 200.

In the first-ever election to the Panvel Municipal Corporation, more than a third of the city’s candidates are crorepatis. Of the 418 candidates contesting Panvel's maiden civic election this year, as many as 160 are crorepatis. Many of the candidates had humble beginnings, but as the city progressed, so did they and their business ventures in construction, real estate and other sectors.

Money power will count considerably, as this is only the first election here, and citizens don't know much about the candidates. Many politicians will use their clout and money to garner recognition among voters. With the Panvel airport soon to be ready, property prices and the local economy is also expected to boom, making the PMC an even more lucrative prospect.

People should choose their corporators on the basis of the work he has done in the past, and what he is capable of doing in the future. Even if the candidates are crorepatis, we should only elect them if they are good at work. A developing city like Panvel needs many facilities to be built. This is what the funds should be used for instead of filling their own pockets, which is what usually happens.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Pre-monsoon work in Navi Mumbai' that was published in Newsband

Pre-monsoon work in Navi Mumbai

As far as pre-monsoon work in Navi Mumbai is concerned 40% desilting work is done. There is doubt whether the work will get completed before the deadline. It is necessary to clear all the drainage channels for a flood-free monsoon. This time the civic administration is focusing on not leaving any desilted filth unattended near the gutters or nullahs. The contractors are also instructed to clear the wet waste removed from the nullahs within 24 hours. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has hired 91 contractors for conducting the pre-monsoon work.

Pre-monsoon showers affect road repair work. Road repair works are not expected to meet the deadline with large stretches of work continuing,

The city welcomed the first pre-monsoon showers just recently. The rain has put the civic body’s road repair and drain de-silting work on the slow track. The situation could worsen if the city receives more pre-monsoon showers.

The chronic big patches taken up for repairs will have to be completed by filling potholes. Besides, the road projects, which include major roads, will not be completed by end of monsoon. With rains and the quarry issue, it may continue in June as well which may create issues for citizens and motorists.

The rain hasn’t affected work of nullah cleaning much which shows signs of being completed on time. However, citizens slammed the civic body for blaming pre-monsoon showers for the delay in road and drain works. The same excuses are given by the civic body every year. Blaming rains is the easiest way for civic officials to hide their inefficiency. Not only is road work affected, but the silt kept along nullahs will go back into the drain due to the rain. So, it will have to be removed again.

Two main pre-monsoon works are in limbo. Contractors have been strictly told to complete road repairs before the deadline. Navi Mumbaikars may have to face bad roads and water logging in the city this monsoon too as NMMC is likely to miss its deadline for two major pre-monsoon activities — road repairs and nullah desilting.

As the quarries in Navi Mumbai — from where the contractors bring materials — have been shut, the road repair works in the city are on hold. Desilting work is still incomplete. The nullahs are the way for rain water to drain out into the sea. This is crucial to prevent waterlogging in the city. The NMMC has dug up major roads and minor roads, but work has stopped as raw materials are not available.  Good roads and an end to water logging are main expectations Navi Mumbaikars have in the monsoon.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'India, Sri Lanka and China' that was published in Newsband

India, Sri Lanka and China

Sri Lanka’s earlier tilted towards China but now it is become aware that India can be a better friend than China. New Delhi has signed up with Sri Lanka for a number of projects and investments to help the country grow itself out of its debt problems.

Sri Lanka has emerged as a point of contention between India and China. Initially Sri Lanka sought to play a China card to fend off Indian pressure over a political settlement with the country’s Tamil minority. In the process the country accepted billions from Beijing as a kind of debt. These policies led India to take countermeasures.

Under former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka came to see China as a solution to all its problems. But things changed when Maithripala Sirisena came to power. Beijing’s extortionist interest rates and its attempts to convert the debt into land holdings made Sri Lanka alert aware of China’s intention.  

Sri Lanka’s problems caused by accepting loan from China has become so acute that they have raised alarm bells in other countries who have signed up to China’s Belt Road Initiative.

India has agreed to help Sri Lanka out. Many more visits and considerable attention will be required by India to bring true serendipity to the bilateral relationship.

Sri Lanka has backed India’s concern over the Kashmir issue, saying it is difficult for New Delhi to accept the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as it goes through the “heart of Indian interests”.

India, China and Sri Lanka were very much part of the ancient Silk Road route as the Chinese Buddhist scholars like Faxian visited both India and Sri Lanka leading to big discoveries of Buddhist relics in the island nation.

Sri Lanka is clever enough not to permit any foreign military operations in its port by any country including China, and cares for India’s security concerns over Chinese military activity. Chinese requests for docking of its submarines was declined.

Lanka’s position is such that their harbours and ports are for commercial operations. All other countries have no strategic interests. Sri Lanka is equidistant from everyone.

Sri Lanka is taking assistance from the Indian Navy to maintain maritime security including tracking submarines. India is also providing patrol boats. But Sri Lanka is facing a problem of debt repayment. Sri Lanka has an estimated debt of USD eight billion to China. The loans were taken for different mega projects. Sri Lanka is paying the price for reposing its trust on China.