Sanatan seeks ban on paper mache Ganpati

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September 1, 2019

Mumbaikars are all set to celebrate the 10-day long Ganesh festival with pomp and show. After a short respite, it has started pouring again in the city as if the rain is also welcoming Lord Ganesh. Thousands of pandals have been set up across Mumbai and its suburbs. At some places, idols of Bappa have already reached the pandals, devotees at the rest places will welcome Ganesh idols with traditional Dhol and Tasha on Monday. And fast life of Mumbai metropolitan will finally come to stand still in greeting Lord Ganesh during his arrival ceremony.

With Ganesh festival starting on Monday, the excitement and enthusiasm among the people of Mumbai and entire Maharashtra can be seen everywhere. Police and administration are engaged in ensuring flawless Ganesh celebrations. The security has been beefed up at Ganesh puja pandals and temples. At the same time, alert environmentalists are also in action to protect environment in Ganesh festival as Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris and chemicals paints are causing havoc to the environment. Some Ganesh Mandals got made Lord Ganesh’s idol of paper pulp in the name of environment friendly Lord Ganesh. But on immersion, Ganesh’s idol of paper pulp pollutes water bodies dangerously. Therefore, Sanatan Sanstha has demanded a ban on Ganesh idols made of paper pulp.

The National Chairman of the Youth Front of the Hindustan National Party, advocate Khush Khandelwal has sent a legal notice to the Tejukaya Ganesh Utsav Mandal, Mumbai. He has also sent notice to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and the Environment Department of the Maharashtra Government in this regard. Sanatan Sanstha has appreciated this initiative.

On the other hand, E Vivekanandan, scientist, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute told Afternoon Voice, “The paper pulp idols are comparatively safer to clay idols. As a solution, the study states four natural colours — Multani mitti, turmeric, terra cotta and poster colours — could be used than the artificial colours. The best option is poster colours as their malignancy levels are lower than synthetic colours.”

It is worth mentioning that the Tejukaya Ganesh Utsav Mandal, Mumbai has installed a 22-feet-tall Ganpati idol made of bamboo sticks, paper pulp, water-soluble adhesives and colours. This 22-feet-tall idol weighs around 1500-2000 kg. In the name of eco-friendly Ganesh, they are going to do huge harm to the environment. Adv. Khush Khandelwal has demanded the Department of the Environment and the Pollution Control Board must take appropriate action. But as of now, both seem to have a great deal of inactivity. According to the notice, the first duty of the Environment Department and the Pollution Control Board is to prevent water pollution from paper pulp or any other way. So, wherever the paper is going for making Ganesh idol, action must be taken against concerned persons. He demanded to remove the government circular from its record about the idols made from paper pulp.

Avinash Kubal, Deputy Director, MNP Society stated, “The toxicity of heavy metals in the colour used to paint idols, even the paper mache (paper pulp) ones, remains a problem. The study revealed that clay (locally known as shaadu) takes almost three weeks to dissolve in water, which, although less than the time taken by PoP idols.”

It is remarkable that the then Congress government’s decision on May 3, 2011, encouraged paper pulp Ganesh idols. As per report of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Matunga, paper pulp is a dangerous water pollutant. The National Green Arbitration Authority on September 30, 2016, postponed government’s circular regarding it. Following which, government said that there should be no incentive to make idols from paper pulp. But eco-friendly Ganesh made of paper pulp is being made even today. There should be mass awareness regarding bad effects of so called eco-friendly Ganesh idols in Mumbai, Maharashtra and the whole India.

Celebrate Ganesh festival by taking care of environment

By

Vaidehi Taman

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September 1, 2019

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has filed the petition, requesting to prohibit paper maché Ganesh idols, which are being sold as eco-friendly idols. They believe that the Ganesh idols prepared from 10 kg of paper pulp pollute 1,000 litres of water. The government is encouraging Ganesh idols which are made of paper pulp without conducting any research. HJS believes that the claims of being eco friendly Ganesha are made without any solid survey. To which the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has dismissed the claim of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) that paper maché Ganesh idols, which are being promoted as eco-friendly, are a threat to the environment. The state pollution control board aforesaid that eco-friendly idols made of paper maché are not harmful, but the board will have to check with the researchers whether allegations made by HJS are appropriate.

On the other hand if we look into the study conducted by the Maharashtra Nature Park (MNP) Society, Mahim Ganesh idol made of clay too can cloud water, block sunlight from entering the water body and subsequently cause harm to marine life. A government resolution was issued, which stated that MPCB appealed to the people to purchase eco-friendly Ganesh Idols, made from paper pulp. According to the civic body, more than two lakh Ganesh idols are immersed during the 10-day festival in 71 natural and 27 artificial ponds across Mumbai. Devotees largely use two types of idols — those made of white clay and those of PoP, which are cheaper. The society tested idols made of clay, paper pulp and PoP in an artificial water body to get an idea of the time taken by the raw material to dissolve. The PoP idols dissolve in nearly three to four months, while those made of paper pulp take three days. But the makers of paper mache Ganesh idols claim that after Shaadu idols, paper mache idols are prepared by crushing paper and using a specific technique to give hardness and a desired shape. Then a white-ink powder is used to give an even white coat to the idol’s surface. After that, eco-friendly colours, which do not harm marine ecosystem, are applied to give life to the idol.

In an experiment to see the result of immersion of such an idol, it became soggy rather quickly once placed in the water tank and lost structural strength to stay upright within an hour. In the next three hours all the paper layers and pulp sank to the bottom and created a layered pile. The layers in the pile retained all the painting on the idol and the pile remained intact for two weeks in the quiet waters of the experimental tank. Later on, the mass disintegrates a bit.

PoP (Plaster of Paris) is terrible for the ecology because it is non-biodegradable and can take many months to dissolve; clay takes about an hour. A small 2014 study of two Mumbai lakes showed that post-immersion, the hardness, chlorinity, salinity, and turbidity of the water increase and oxygen levels plummet. However, there is still not enough definitive proof of this to ban the use of PoP idols. Meanwhile, toxic paints on the idol, while making them hugely attractive, worsen the water bodies’ condition. Add to all this the flowers, fruits, incense sticks, polythene bags—all offered to the god in veneration and then ritually dumped—that remain on the shores, decaying and posing a huge health hazard for months.

The government on its part is supporting clay. It orders clay statues for its own functions and runs awareness drives. However, it is not easy to change the artisans’ medium. There are very few artists left. Everybody wants fast money in today’s time. Wooing talent requires higher profitability, which clay doesn’t guarantee. Meanwhile, there have also been other symbolic attempts at making the festival more eco-friendly. For example, some clay idols now come filled with seeds, so people can plant the idols in their homes rather than immerse them. There’s also the chocolate Ganesh trend, wherein the idol is immersed in milk and distributed among poor kids. Mumbai-based NGO Sprouts Environmental Trust makes idols that fish can eat. Sugarcane and coconut husks are also being used. Though patrons are also becoming more environmentally conscious, these options still remain far costlier. The ecology is priceless indeed. But for the buyer of Ganesh idols, it still boils down to how much it is worth.

Meanwhile, now people are more concerned about the environment which is a good sign, from idols made of cow dung to paper adornments, people are ensuring that their celebrations do not affect the environment in any way. Thousands of young and old celebrate ten-day Ganeshotsav across the city and country with great magnificence. Eco-friendly idols have been a common pick for most families, cow dung idol’s effectiveness and easiness is eco-friendly, dissolves easily and, most importantly, light. Stalls across the city are also working towards creating awareness about eco-friendly idols. However, the demand for eco-friendly idols has risen over the years. People nowadays enquire if the idol will dissolve in a bucket or can used be as mud for their garden. The Ganesh has got wisdom in people and his devotee, what we need the most is devotion and willingness to bring change.

May this Ganesh festival bring safer ways of immersion to every living being and environment? I pray to Lord Ganesha that may you have a prosperous and long life. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to my dear readers. May Ganesha always stay your mentor and protector and remove obstacles from your life. Wish you and family a Happy and blessed Ganesh Chaturthi! .

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

1 dead, 4 injured after a wall collapses in gas cylinder blast in Malad

By

Web Team

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September 1, 2019

One person was killed and four others sustained injuries after a gas cylinder blast resulted into to the wall of a chawl collapsing in Malad (West) on Sunday.

A woman, Manju Anand (35), was trapped under the rubble of the wall. While the Fire Brigade rescued Manju and she was taken to hospital, she was declared dead on arrival.

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) disaster management cell, around 9 am on Sunday, a gas cylinder exploded at a house in Chawl No 91 in MHB Colony, Malad Malwani, due to which its wall collapsed.

Four other persons — Shital Kate (44), Shiddhesh Gote (19), Mamata Pawar (22) and Ashwini Jadhav (26) — were sustained injuries in the cylinder blast. According to doctors at the Shatabdi Hospital, Kandivali, while Kate and Gote were treated and discharged, the condition of Pawar, with 80 per cent burns, is critical. Jadhav has sustained 15 per cent burns and is in the hospital in a stable condition.

Effects of Custody Battles on Children

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Vaidehi Taman

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September 1, 2019

Advocate Pratibha Bangera (Divorce and Family court lawyer) explains how the increasing custody cases effects children torn between their parents who are fighting in court over legal battles for custody, maintenance and similar child care issues with our Editor-in-Chief Dr Vaidehi Taman.

What is child custody?

When a married couple having minor children reside separately or intend to file for divorce and approach a family court, the court can grant “legal custody of child” to any one parent. The parent who wins custody is responsible for physical, emotional and mental nourishment along with ensuring good academic performance for the minor child. The child is the parent’s legal responsibility till age 18. While one parent gets the permanent custody, the other parent gets visitation rights.

Which parent stands a better chance for custody?

The parent who has the physical custody or with whom the children reside at the time of filing of divorce, already has the physical custody of the child. The other parent who wants to challenge the same has to go to court to ask for custody. Eventually the court decides in favour of that parent who is most capable and responsible for the child highest good and wellbeing taking into account the previous record of responsibility taken by such parent and whether he/she was available for the child or has participated in the child’s day to day activities, mental and emotional and academic needs of child.

Does the person having legal custody pay for the entire expenses of the child?

No it is not like that. The financial burden of paying towards maintenance of a child needs to be shared by both parents if they are working. It is however the right of the person who has physical custody of child to ask for maintenance from other spouse as he/she is already burdened with paying for shelter, food and clothing in addition to paying for commuting to school and the daily expenses towards bringing up children single handedly.

Can a father having custody of child ask for maintenance?

Yes. Even a father can ask for maintenance if he is taking care of the child. (both father and mother) are equally liable to pay for their children.

What if the parent refuses to pay?

If there is a court order directing the parent to pay and if the payment does not come forth on time, the affected parent who is struggling to pay can ask for “distress warrant” to be issued by court to arrest such person and in some cases the court may even direct the employer to deduct the amount of salary and directly deposit it into account provided for maintenance of child.

What happens in the case of business men who may not file returns or whose income is not steady?

In such cases the lifestyle of the parent is taken into account. The court can allow application to access the net worth of the person and his family even if they cleverly conceal the income. The previous life style and standard of living is taken into account in such cases. The child is entitled to go to same school and the parent has to meet these standards of living.

Can a parent give up custody or visitation rights and is he still liable to pay?

Yes. But he/she cannot escape financial responsibility. He/she can pay a one-time lumpsum amount or even a monthly maintenance towards child support and care. But if a parent does not want to meet or visit the child, the court cannot force such a parent to visit the child. Parents may even enter into such mutual arrangements. In many cases one parent gives up their right to meet the child to avoid confusion for the child’s sake.

What if the parent is deliberately prevented from meeting the child?

In cases where a parent is prevented from meeting the child, there is a process for visitation rights during the pendency of the custody case. Since results of cases take a long time, such deprived parent can apply to the court for interim access or visitation rights and the court is bound to grant such reliefs and cannot deny rights of a biological parent.

In which cases does the court give custody of children to father?

The court takes it into consideration the child’s highest and best interest being a minor growing child and while doing so has to evaluate comfort, happiness or dependency of child on any one parent. However in cases where a parent is addicted to substance abuse, or mentally incapable to take responsibility of child or is leading an unchaste lifestyle or found unsafe for the child’s security, or having an adulterous relationship, the court may either grant custody or visitation rights to the father.

How long does it take for a court decision or judgement on custody?

Every case has a different time frame but if litigant parents cooperate with each other, the case can resolve even on the first hearing date but it may linger for upto 3 years if there are other connected vested interest issues such as maintenance, alimony and questions pertaining to financial disputes. Also if there is one common petition seeking all reliefs the parties are forced to wait for the final order on every disputed aspect of the case.

Does the family court have separate children’s area to meet parents exercising their visitation rights?

Yes sometimes parents are ordered to meet the child within the court premises and at other times the visiting parent is given a fixed meeting date and time and the duration for same is also decided along with holiday visits and sharing of vacation.

What is the most upsetting thing about custody matters?

The worst effect is exposing the child to parental hatred to one another. The child is forced to like and/or dislike the other parent because of parental insecurity. Most times, the children are not prepared by their parents before approaching the court and they seldom know what is happening. It is shameful that some parents use their children as baits for personal axe grinding. The concept of “Emotional counseling” is very essential in these days and times.

Do you counsel such parents and what is your experience while doing so?

The best counselor to a child is the Parent. I share certain techniques such as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) with both children and parents and insist they take charge of freeing their mind of emotional distress (due to court case). The success rate is very good if the parent is emotionally free from mental clutter. If the parent is focused only on the financial aspects of maintenance and money matters not only does it effect their child, but it may also delay the case. Having reached a point where parents are in court already, it is better to finish cleaning up atleast the emotional baggage. Character assassinating the other parent to win over the child’s confidence may not benefit anybody. It may tarnish the child’s mind and maybe unhealthy for the child in the long run.

Lord Ganesha lends power in the world of action and gives success

By

Vinod Dixit

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September 1, 2019

Year after year, Ganesh’s devotees look forward to his annual coming, “GANESH CHATURTHI”. Ganesh Chaturthi falls on September 2. Who does not know Ganesha ? Ganesh, the pot-bellied figure with rounded, childish limbs and an elephant’s head with one tusk broken, has four arms holding a goad, a noose, a broken tusk and a bowl of sweets. He is well-known deity not only because it has been ordained that before beginning any puja or worshipping any other God, one must first pray to Him. Apart from Krishna, Ganesh is the only other God in whom we find childlike innocence. A prayer in the Rig Veda invoking Ganesha shows that he has been worshipped since very ancient times. The sacred symbol “Om”, as written in Sanskrit is said to represent him. He is praised at the beginning of any ceremony or undertaking and has a thousand names, including Ganesh, Ganapati, Gajendra, Siddhadata, Vinayaka, Ekadanta, etc. all of which should recited to avert evil and ensure success and well-being.

Now let us see how Ganesh got his name (title) Ganapati ? Once Gods were to select a leader amongst themselves and for this, they had a race. They were to go round the universe thrice and in this race the God who return first would be a winner. The Gods, including Kartikeya (Ganesha’s elder brother) set out on their swift mounts and the fat Ganesha was left behind with his vehicle mouse. Ganesha went round his parents Shiva-Parvati thrice and returned to the finishing point and was declared first. All the Gods who had competed agreed that after all Ganesha had been round his universe and thus he deserved to win. Thus Ganesh became ‘GANANAYAK,” the leader of Shiva’s ‘GANAS” and it was decreed that people must offer him worship as the remover of all obstacles, before they begin any suspicious work or offer puja to any other God.

Ganesha today is worshipped with prayer and meditation but is rarely the primary deity of devotion, except in Maharashtra where puja is offered to him and colourful procession are taken out. The history of Maharashtra since the last two hundred years is recounted and eminent, Maharashtrian politicians remembered. Ganesha Chaturthi festival has provided that symbol for Hindu regeneration in Maharashtra. Ganesha lends power in the world of action and offers protection, opens doors and given success to other Gods and Goddesses.

Now let us see what Ganesha embodies within his frame and what his name signifies: “Ganesha’s potbelly or “lambda” signifies that the entire universe or “Brahma” is within Ganesh. The ever-moving trunk teaches us to be active. In his four hands”Chaturbhuja”, Ganesha carries the pasha (rope), ankusha (Curved weapon), the modaka (sweets ladoos) an offering which his devotees must make to him, if they wish to please him. His fourth hand is folded in benefiction to his devotees, assuring them of his help and protection. Now, you all might be wondering why Ganesha the all-dynamic Number One God should ride a rat. There is a reason. The rat is traditionally associated with emotions like anger, pride and selfishness. Ganesha’s riding rat means, the God keeps these feelings under control.

Symbolism and Significance of Ganesha

BIG HEAD inspires us to think big and think profitably
BIG EARS prompt us to listen patiently to new ideas and suggestions
NARROW EYES point to deep concentration need to finish tasks in hand well and quickly
LONG NOSE tells us to poke around inquisitively to learn more
SMALL MOUTH reminds us to speak less and listen more

Today, Lord Ganesha is still with us. He stays with us for complete ten days every year, before his idol is immersed in water with the prayer, “Please come soon next year.”

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Letters to the Editor: 01 September, 2019

By

Web Team

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September 1, 2019

Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi environment friendly

Festivals in India are generally celebrated with all the frills, and the same is true for Ganesh Chaturthi. Right from handpicking flowers and decking up puja rooms and pandals, to making modaks filled with coconut and jaggery, people tend to immerse themselves in a host of activities.

However, often, during the course of the celebration, we don’t realise the extent of harm we might be causing to the environment.

Many of the Ganesha idols that are sold in the market today are made of plastic, thermocol, PoP, and other non-boidegradable materials, which when immersed in water bodies have a detrimental effect on both the plant and animal life.

Even the rangoli colours available in the market, which are used for decorative purposes, are likely to be made up of hazardous substances like mica, acids, and glass powders. Since these colours cannot be decomposed biologically, they tend to degrade the surrounding spaces.

It might not sound very significant, but even the plastic used to pack or give away the prasad, adds to the existing pollution in the environment.

Hence, this time around, let’s look at some ways in which you can celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with all the pomp and ceremony, but without hurting the planet.

Jubel D’Cruz

Amalgamation of major banks comes as a surprise

The yet another announcement to amalgamate major banks comes as a surprise as also one understands that such a decision has been taken cautiously by the Ministry of Finance in recent years. The move for such a decision has been cited to infuse capital into the banks as the economy now is staring gloomy picture in the markets. Through such a restructuring exercise to minimize bad loans and NPA mess apart from economic crisis, one will not be surprised if more such plan are implemented in future and set a trend with the concept of amalgamated banking system in the coming years.

It needs to be seen as to how quickly and effective such an amalgamated banking entity will penetrate into the businesses, citing common operational framework, as all the banks share a common banking software. It also needs to be seen as how well the Government, RBI and BBB will convince the the such a mammoth bank restructuring exercise to the end customers, the employees, the banking union etc. to move into such a new type of amalgamated banking entity.

Varun Dambal

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Congress leader Digvijaya alleges BJP, Bajrang Dal of taking money from Pakistan’s ISI

By

Web Team

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September 1, 2019

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Bajrang Dal are taking money from Pakistan’s intelligence agency – the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Stirring a controversy, former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Singh has also claimed that non-Muslims are spying for the ISI, more than the Muslims.

“Bajrang Dal, BJP are taking money from the ISI. Attention should be paid to this. Non-Muslims are spying for Pakistan’s ISI more than Muslims. This should be understood,” he said while speaking to reporters in Bhind on Saturday.

Adding that the “Congress party is fighting the ideology of the BJP and Sangh”, he said, “They (BJP and Sangh) have not participated during the Indian freedom struggle and now they are teaching us lessons on Nationalism.”

On being by asked by the reporters to comment on the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, “If former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Sheikh Abdullah had not trusted former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru then Kashmir would not have been with us. So it is important to gain the trust of the people of Kashmir.”

He also suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should learn from former prime minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee who had said that the solution of Kashmir problem lies in three words – “Democracy (Jamhuriyat), Kashmiriyat and Insaniyat.”

The senior Congress leader continued that Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have ended the democracy and Kashmiriyat and have paid no attention to Insaniyat (humanity) after abrogating Article 370 from the region.

Meanwhile, speaking about the economic condition of the country, he said, “Economic condition is deteriorating in the country, there are no jobs, government and banks have no money and the now the central government is taking money from the RBI to run the government. So, Prime Minister Modi should think about how to improve the economy and leave everything aside.

Defending champion Naomi Osaka ends 15-year old Cori Gauff’s US Open run

By

Web Team

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September 1, 2019

World number one Naomi Osaka from Japan defeated American teenage sensation Cori Gauff 6-3, 6-0 in a third-round women single’s match of the ongoing US Open on Saturday night (local time).

The 21-year-old defending champion and Australian Open winner Osaka ousted 15-year-old Gauff from the tournament, displaying aggressive tennis.

Osaka did not allow her opponent to build any momentum.

The 21-year-old Japanese star pleaded with Gauff to stay on the court and join her for a post-match interview.

“I definitely was wanting to leave the court because I’m not the type of person who wants to cry in front of everyone,” Gauff said. “I didn’t want to take that moment away from her as well.

“She told me, ‘It’s better than crying in the shower.’ She convinced me multiple times to stay. I kept saying no. Finally I said, ‘OK, I’ll do it.’ Because I didn’t know what to do.”

Wiping away tears, she stayed and poured out her heart as the crowd roared with excitement at the sporting gesture by Osaka, herself in tears, to a child rival needing support at a painful moment.

“After the match, I think she just proved that she’s a true athlete,” Gauff said. “For me, the definition of an athlete is someone who on the court treats you like your worst enemy but off the court can be your best friend. I think that’s what she did tonight.

“She really showed sportsmanship. I mean, I wasn’t expecting it.”

And Gauff had no regrets about staying and speaking as the tears rolled down her face.

“I’m glad I was able to experience that moment,” Gauff said. “I’m glad the crowd was kind of helping me and her. She was crying, she won. I was crying. Everybody was crying. I was like, I don’t know why she was crying. ‘You won the match.’

“Everybody was crying. But I think it was a good moment for both of us.”

Osaka’s own moment of ultimate victory last year was spoiled by boos in the same stadium after a controversial game penalty against Serena Williams helped her take the title, prompting her to later call the moment “bittersweet,” something Gauff understands.

“I’m still a little bit sad because it’s still fairly new. I think tomorrow I’ll really cherish the experience,” Gauff said.

“I hope that next year I’ll be able to play on Ashe again. It was a great court, a great atmosphere out there. Maybe next time I’ll come out on top.”

Uplift one another ???@CocoGauff | @Naomi_Osaka_ | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/XtZIefrs1v

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 1, 2019

‘A good moment for me’

Gauff usually only projects strength on court, as in her run to the fourth round at Wimbledon in July in her Grand Slam debut.

“I guess it shows that I’m human. Athletes in general just experience things, and we show emotion, good and bad,” Gauff said.

“People see the more pumping up side of me, the more fiery side. I guess that side is good for other people to see. I’m glad I was able to experience that on the biggest stage. I really thank Naomi for that because it was a good moment for me.”

Gauff even found positives learning how far her game must grow to test Osaka.

“I’ll learn a lot from this match. She’s the number one player in the world right now, so I know what I need to do to get to that level,” Gauff said. “She’s at the top of her game right now.

“I got to the third round in my first main draw US Open. I’m super proud of myself. I’m just going to continue to learn.

“My dad told me I’m 15, I still have a lot to work on, a lot to improve. But I think that today definitely I learned a lot.”

Osaka booked her spot for the round of 16 and will face Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic on September 2.

State of economy ‘deeply worrying’, says Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

By

Web Team

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September 1, 2019

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday said the state of the economy was “deeply worrying” and that “all-round mismanagement” by the Modi government has resulted in this slowdown.

In a statement, he said the last quarter GDP growth rate of 5 per cent signals that “we are in midst of a prolonged slowdown”.

The Congress leader said India has the potential to grow at a much faster rate.

“India cannot afford to continue down this path. Therefore, I urge the government to put aside vendetta politics, and reach out to all sane voices and thinking minds, to steer our economy out of this man-made crisis,” he said.

Our economy has not recovered from the man made blunders of demonetisation & a hastily implemented GST… I urge the govt to put aside vendetta politics & reach out to all sane voices to steer our economy out of this crisis: Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh #DrSinghOnEconomicCrisis pic.twitter.com/83cBJWHay9

— Congress (@INCIndia) September 1, 2019

Singh said it is particularly distressing that the manufacturing sector’s growth is tottering at 0.6 per cent.

“This makes it very clear that our economy has not yet recovered from the man-made blunders of demonetisation and a hastily implemented GST,” he said.

“Investor sentiments are in doldrums. These are not the foundations for economic recovery,” he added.

Narayan Rane the party hopper

By

Vaidehi Taman

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August 30, 2019

Narayan Rane is one big name in Maharashtra politics, he is known for trying every political party in the greed of power. Before entering politics with the Shiv Sena, he was part of the ‘Harya-Narya’ gang, a street gang operating in Mumbai’s north-eastern suburb of Chembur. Rane was handpicked by Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray as chief minister when he decided to remove the genial Manohar Joshi ahead of the 1999 Assembly elections. And though in ousting Joshi, Thackeray might have played straight into the hands of the BJP, Rane suits both Thackeray and the BJP. Joshi and his son are under ED scanner in money laundering scam of Kohinoor. Joshi was a misfit in the Sena. His wit and sophistication set him apart in a party generally not known to back intellectuals. For example, the initial idea to deny the Shiv Sena’s involvement in the attack on the offices of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was Joshi’s. He thought this would help him survive the remainder of his term in office. But when the Sena itself made no bones about the attack, making his denials meaningless, he had the Shiv Sainiks involved in the attack arrested.

Once a blue eyed boy of Balasaheb, Rane had joined the Congress in 2005 after being expelled from the Shiv Sena. Rane was expelled by Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray after he voiced displeasure over Uddhav Thackeray gaining prominence in the party. In his political career spanning nearly four decades, Rane had worked in the Shiv Sena and then in Congress before floating his own political outfit in 2017. The 65-year-old aggressive leader launched his own party, the Maharashtra Swabhiman Paksha.

From then to now, Rane’s journey in politics—from being a corporator, leader of the opposition, briefly CM and a cabinet minister for the Sena and the Congress, to recently forming his own party—has been peppered with allegations of criminal wrongdoings against him and his sons. Rane was combating allegations of money laundering by BJP former MP Kirit Somaiya. While Rane was with the Congress, Somaiya had written to Satyabrata Kumar, joint director of the Enforcement Directorate, seeking an investigation into companies run by Rane and his family. Soon after Rane’s inclusion in BJP, the allegations are gone to cold storage. Concerned that the ED probe may be wound up with Rane now having aligned with the NDA, a Mumbai-based activist, Ketan Tirodkar, has filed a PIL in the Bombay High Court asking that the ED be directed to file a status report of the inquiries conducted so far. The petition also asks the court to direct the agency to file the final report in the trial court concerned in reasonable time.

Rane, has pockets of influence in the Konkan region of Maharashtra.

Maharashtra government has already welcomed party hopper Narayan Rane. BJP playing it brilliant, Narayan Rane the old timer of Sena is entertained in BJP but so far no confirmation is given to him. Narayan Rane has had a tumultuous political journey, starting from his early days as a small-time gangster to briefly becoming the chief minister of Maharashtra, switching political sides and now he is leaving the NDA.

Rane’s exit from the Congress caused some dent in the party at a time when it is struggling in Maharashtra. Congress faced a virtual washout in Maharashtra and was able to win only one seat.

In the 60s, Rane was a member of the Harya-Narya gang, which was active in Chembur in Mumbai. According to police records, another gangster, Mahadev Thakur, for invading his territory in the late ‘60s, beat Narya, who began operations at the age of 14, to pulp. Men like Rane have their uses on the streets, not in the CM’s chair. To which, Rane’s supporters, surprised at the developments to say the least, retort, ‘He is a man from their street. And it does wonder them all that even a street urchin can aspire to the highest office in the state.’

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