Gujjar Quota Stir: Bhanwar Lal urges protesters to not to resort to violence

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February 11, 2019

Rajasthan Minister Bhanwar Lal on Monday urged the protesting Gujjar community, demanding five per cent reservation in government jobs and educational institutes, to not to resort to violence and protest peacefully.

The protest launched by the Gujjar Community entered its fourth day today.

Lal stated, “Would like to appeal to Gujjar community that please do not resort to violence, protest peacefully. I would also like to appeal to Bainsla Ji to send his team for dialogue, and we will discuss as to how their demands can be met within limits of Constitution.”

He also urged the protesters to pressurise the Centre to give the reservation. “Would like to appeal to the Gujjar community that they pressurise the PM to give five per cent reservation, the way they gave 10 per cent reservation to General Category. Our government is 45 days old, we’re not saying no. If they will block roads then the government will also do its work,” he said.

Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla, on Monday, said: “We will leave only after getting 5 per cent reservation. It’s my personal request to the government, don’t do anything which can provoke people of Rajasthan, people are waiting for my instructions. Let’s sort it out in a peaceful manner. The earlier the better.”

On Sunday, the protesters turned violent as three police vehicles were torched in Dholpur district and around 10 shots were also fired.

As per the railway authorities, as many as 18 trains were cancelled in Kota division of Central-West Railway on Sunday. However, between February 11 and 13, the railway authorities have already announced to cancel the movement of 37 trains, scheduled to pass through Kota division, in view of the ongoing quota stir.

According to police, unidentified miscreants fired around 10 shots in the air during the blockade on Agra-Morena highway. Three police vehicles including two jeeps and a bus were torched by the agitators, said the police, which had to use tear gas shells to disperse them.

Since the people of the Gujjar community have squatted on rail tracks for the last three days, the movement of trains has adversely been affected. Ten trains plying on February 11 in Kota division areas have been cancelled while 12 trains scheduled for plying on February 12 also stand cancelled. Also, 15 trains scheduled for plying on February 13 have been cancelled well in advance.

Also, several trains have been diverted. As per the railway authorities, 13 trains commencing on February 10 were diverted while five trains commencing on February 11 have been diverted in Kota division.

The movement of vehicles on the National Highway-8 was also affected on Sunday at Ajmer as protestors blocked the National Highway-8 (NH-8) in support of the ongoing reservation stir.In an appeal to Gujjar community, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has asked them not to sit on the rail tracks and has urged them to submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On Saturday, agitators erected tents on railway tracks Sawai Madhopur district.

Last year on October 26, the BJP government led by Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje had passed a Bill, which increased Other Backward Classes (OBCs) quota from 21 per cent to 26 per cent. In December 2018, the state government had also approved one per cent reservation for Gujjar and four other OBCs as per the Supreme Court-imposed 50 per cent quota ceiling.

Energy supply and consumption patterns are changing to tackle climate change: PM Modi

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February 11, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that patterns of energy supply and consumption are changing globally and countries are coming together to tackle climate change.

There are signs of convergence between cheaper renewable energy, technologies and digital applications, he said while addressing the inaugural session of 13th international oil and gas conference Petrotech 2019.

“At the macro level, the energy sector is a pivot and a key enabler of growth. Natural gas is fast becoming one of the largest fuels in global energy mix. We are entering an era of greater energy availability,” he said.

“Energy supply, energy sources, and energy consumption patterns are changing. Perhaps, this could be a historic transition,” said the Prime Minister. “This may expedite the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Nations are coming together to tackle climate change.”

The Prime Minister said India has the potential to emerge as the world’s second largest economy by 2030. In an uncertain global economic environment, the country has shown tremendous reasons as an anchor of the world economy, he said.

“We are the third largest energy consumer in the world with demand growing at more than 5 per cent annually. India remains an attractive market for energy companies with energy demand expected to be more than double by 2040.”

The Prime Minister said people must have universal access to a clean, affordable, sustainable and equitable supply of energy. Suitably priced, stable and sustainable energy is essential for rapid growth of the economy, he said.

“We need to move to responsible pricing which balances the interests of both the producer and consumer. We also need to move towards transparent and flexible markets for both oil and gas.”

Talking about energy justice in India which has been given top priority by the government, he said many policies have been formulated and implemented.

“Electricity has reached all our rural areas. This year, we aim to achieve 100 per cent electrification of households through a targeted programme. LED bulbs distributed across the country under the Ujala scheme resulted in savings of nearly 2.5 billion dollars.”

The Prime Minister said access to clean fuel provides major benefits, especially to women and children who are at risk of exposure to smoke pollution. LPG connections have been given to over 64 million households in just under three years as part of the Ujjwala scheme, he added.

Priyanka Gandhi makes political debut in Uttar Pradesh

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February 11, 2019

Marking her political debut ahead of Lok Sabha polls, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi arrived at the Lucknow airport on Monday afternoon to a rousing reception by party leaders and workers.

Accompanied by Congress president Rahul Gandhi and in-charge of the western region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, a beaming Priyanka Gandhi waved at partymen jostling for a glimpse of her.

As her ‘rath’ rolled on, it was a selfie galore with enthusiastic partymen taking vantage positions to click prized photographs for posterity.

When the trio embarked on a roughly 25-km-long roadshow through major thoroughfares of the state capital, rose petals were sprinkled and marigold garlands showered at their cavalcade.

A day before her maiden visit to the state as Congress general secretary in-charge of western Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka Gandhi said she hopes to start a “new kind of politics” in which everyone will be a stakeholder.

AAP’s ‘Your MLA and councillor at your doorstep’ campaign to be launched from Feb 15

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February 11, 2019

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party will launch a campaign — “Your MLA and Councillor at your doorstep” — from February 15 to step up attack against the BJP-led government at the Centre ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

AAP Delhi convener Gopal Rai told reporters that party legislators and corporators will interact with people and request them to throw the Modi government out of power during the campaign.

He said the AAP will host a mega rally of opposition parties against the “dictatorial” central government at Jantar Mantar on February 13.

“The AAP will intensify its fight against the Modi-Shah duo in Delhi after the February 13 rally. We will launch ‘Your MLA and Councillor at your doorstep’ campaign for the Lok Sabha elections from February 15,” Rai said.

Asked whether the Congress has been sent an invite for the mega February 13 show, he said all those who had participated in the rally organised by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee last month have been invited.

“Invitation has been sent to all those who attended Mamata Banerjee’s recent rally against the Modi government.

“We have not spoken to them (Congress) regarding the February 13 mega rally at Jantar Mantar,” the AAP leader said.

On Sunday, sources said that the Congress is unlikely to participate in the mega opposition rally that will be attended by Mamata Banerjee and Chandrababu Naidu, among other opposition leaders.

They had also said that with just around two months left before the polls, the rally will serve to bring the opposition leaders together in firming up a ‘Mahagathbandhan’ to challenge the BJP and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners in the polls.

Boney Kapoor to remake Egyptian hit ‘Hepta: The Last lecture’

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February 11, 2019

Producer Boney Kapoor has bought the rights of Egyptian hit “Hepta: The Last Lecture” to remake it in Hindi and other languages.

The film will be produced by Kapoor’s Bayview Projects and co-produced by Fresh Lime Films.

Based on Mohamed Sadek’s best-selling book, “Hepta”, directed by Hadi El Bagoury, revolves around the seven stages of love and was one of the highest-grossing romantic films in the history of Egyptian cinema.

“India and Egypt have been strongly influencing each other’s culture, arts and architecture since ancient times. It is a pleasure to cooperate with Egyptian cinema.

“I strongly believe that this is only the beginning and we shall soon be seeing films from Egypt and India being remade in their respective languages,” Kapoor said in a statement.

He is also remaking “Pink” in Tamil titled AK 59 with south superstar Ajith which is currently being shot.

Anxiety looms as Sabarimala temple reopens tomorrow

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February 11, 2019

There is a sense of anxiety in and around Sabarimala as the Lord Ayyappa shrine is all set to reopen on Tuesday for monthly worship, after witnessing frenzied protests during the recently concluded annual pilgrim season over the entry of young women.

The hilltop temple would be opened for five days till February 17 for the monthly pujas during the Malayalam month of Kumbam, temple authorities said on Monday.

Several special rituals including ‘kalabhabhishekam’, ‘sahasrakalasam’ and ‘laksharchana’ would be performed during the five days at the shrine, the ‘sanctum sanctorum’ of which would be thrown open by chief priest Vasudevan Nampoothiri on Tuesday evening.

Tantri (head priest) Kandararu Rajeevaru would also be present during the time of pujas, they said.

As the shrine is set to open, state police has stepped up vigil in and around Sabarimala in view of possible protests by Sangh outfits against the entry of women, belonging to the traditionally barred age group.

The police said certain restrictions had already been imposed in areas from Nilackal, the base camp to Sannidhanam (temple complex) to ensure smooth darshan for devotees.

“Considering the untoward incidents caused by various organisations in areas around Sabarimala when the shrine was opened for the Thulamasa puja and the protests over the Supreme Court order allowing entry of women of all ages into the shrine, certain restrictions have been imposed in areas to ensure smooth darshan for devotees,” an official release said.

Devotees and reporters would be allowed to travel from Nilackal to Pamba and Sannidhanam only after 10 am on February 12, it said.

The BJP and Sangh Parivar outfits, which had spearheaded the agitations against implementation of the September 28 Supreme Court verdict permitting women of all age groups into the shrine, are yet to reveal whether they would try to block young women.

The areas in and around the hilltop shrine had witnessed widespread violence after the CPI(M)-led LDF government decided to implement the apex court order allowing women of menstrual age into the temple.

Marking the culmination of the over two-month-long stormy annual pilgrimage season, the Lord Ayyappa temple was closed on January 20.

Traditionally, women of menstruating age or in the age group of 10 to 50 years were not allowed to enter the temple as the deity, Lord Ayyappa, is believed to be in the form of “Naishtika brahmachari” (perennial celibate).

Ajay Devgn to have cameo appearance in ‘RRR’

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February 11, 2019

Ajay Devgn will have a guest appearance in “Baahubali” director SS Rajamouli’s next ambitious project “RRR”.

“He is doing a cameo appearance, it is an interesting character. He will shoot for it after ‘Taanaji: The Unsung Warrior’,” source close to the actor told an agency.

“RRR” marks the second collaboration between Rajamouli and Ajay.

The 49-year-old superstar had earlier given the voice overs for the Hindi version of his 2012 Telugu blockbuster “Eega” titled “Makkhi”.

“RRR” is an upcoming Indian period action film film scripted and directed by Rajamouli. It stars N T Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan in the lead roles. As per reports, the film is made on a budget of Rs 300 crore.

Reportedly, Ajay was also approached to play the main antagonist in Kamal Haasan’s “Indian 2” and he said no to the offer.

“He hasn’t given a thought of working in another industry as it is a bit difficult for him. In Rajamouli’s ,film it was a cameo so he has taken it up,” the source said.

Soon singer Badshah to debut as an actor

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February 11, 2019

After regaling fans with several chart toppers in recent years, singer-rapper Badshah will soon be seen in debutant director Shilpi Dasgupta’s upcoming film starring Sonakshi Sinha.

The yet untitled project is being produced by Bhushan Kumar, Mahaveer Jain and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and is being written by Gautam Mehra.

The cast has already started shoot in Punjab from January 25.

Badshah, who will be essaying a character close to his real self, said, “I am extremely nervous however I have taken the leap. This year I have undertaken many firsts, with my debut as a producer and now as an actor. Bhushanji and Mrigh both kept convincing me on how perfect the role is for me. It’s a film which is so unique and different, whenever I think of it, brings a smile to my face. The added advantage is working with a super talented bunch and also my buddy Sonakshi who is very dear friend and the others like Varun Sharma.”

He adds, “The character is basically who I am in real life – a singer-rapper from Punjab who is happy go lucky, likes humour. All this and after lots of convincing I gave in and have agreed to do the role. The team has started shooting for the film in Punjab, I will join them today.”

The cast of the film includes Sonakshi Sinha along with Varun Sharma, Annu Kapoor, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Nadira Babbar. The film is supposed to hit theatres on August 2.

Tech Mahindra commits to 22% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030

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February 11, 2019

IT firm Tech Mahindra on Monday said that it is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 22 per cent by the year 2030, from a 2016 base-year.

The company aims to further reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by the year 2050. The same has been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), Tech Mahindra said in a statement.

“The SBTi approval confirms that Tech Mahindra’s long-term targets are in line with the level of decarbonisation required to keep global temperature increase below 2°C, as compared to pre-industrial temperatures, as set out in the Paris Agreement on climate change,” it added.

Tech Mahindra Chief Sustainability Officer Sandeep Chandna said that the company is consciously adopting a strategy that will deliver innovative solutions without adversely affecting the environment.

“SBTi gives us a clear roadmap to optimise our carbon footprint and is enabling us to move towards a low carbon economy that will reduce future climate change risks,” he added.

The Mumbai-based company said it is focusing on improving energy efficiency through process optimisation, energy conservation initiatives, increased use of renewable energy and by investing in low emission and green technologies.

Cardi B becomes first solo woman to win best rap album Grammy

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February 11, 2019

Cardi B on Monday created history by becoming the first female to win the Best Rap Album Grammy award.

She won the award for her debut ‘Invasion of Privacy’, beating out Nipsey Hussle, Pusha T, Travis Scott, and the late Mac Miller.

The rapper accepted the award taking the stage with husband Offset, who held her hand as she controlled her tears while talking about her pregnancy and daughter Kulture.

“I want to thank my daughter. I’m not just saying thank you because she’s my daughter. It’s because, you know, when I found out I was pregnant, my album was not complete, like three songs that I was for sure having. And then you know, you know how it was, we was like, we have to get this album done so I could still do videos while I’m still not showing. And it was very long nights,” Cardi said in her speech.

“I can’t breath. Oh my goodness. The nerves are so bad!” She added with a laugh, “Maybe I need to smart smoking weed.”

While Cardi’s the first woman to win the award for a solo act, Lauryn Hill did win best rap album as part of hip-hop group Fugees in 1997.