Missing Rafale papers would be pure comedy if it weren't dangerous

While the BJP's minions seize 'anti-nationals' and mobs kill people from minority groups in the name of cow protection while beating up Kashmiris on the side, a targeted little burglary is executed in the building that houses the defence and foreign ministries and the Prime Minister's Office. This argues incompetence of such gigantic proportions that comedy vanishes. It must have been this incompetence that allowed a private vehicle loaded with explosives to destroy a truck full of jawans amid a military convoy on a highly protected route. It is the same incompetence, this time in propaganda, that has ministers and officials scrambling to reach an agreement on the number of dead militants in Balakot.There is, shamefully enough, another side to the government's declaration. The allegedly stolen papers were used by a newspaper to expose dubious aspects of the Rafale deal. The government appears unable to conceal its anxiety that these documents might be used as evidence in court. Perhaps it hopes that if they have been stolen - a charge not made when the newspaper used them - their 'unclean' source may discredit them as evidence. To distract attention from a mess that is obviously far from simple, the government, through its mouthpiece in court, is talking of the newspaper's supposed violation of the Official Secrets Act. Wielding laws is the easy way out. More dangerous, however, is the Narendra Modi-led government's attitude towards journalism. Independent thinking, analysis, criticism and pursuit of truth for public interest are simply impermissible. But it may become a bit awkward if the media now begin concentrating on finding out how the Rafale papers were stolen. 1686332 1686331 Dailyhunthttps://www.itsmyurls.com/jprsinner

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Tragedies waiting to happen

aikat Sinha, Calcutta Message of peaceSir - A heartfelt welcome to Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman ("Pilot back after suspense & tape", March 2). Although Pakistan's foreign office referred to Varthaman as a prisoner of war, it was astonishing that he was apparently treated with dignity and in line with international laws. Varthaman's release has been claimed as a victory of sorts by both countries. While Islamabad has projected itself as the side which has done the right thing, New Delhi seems keen to convey that its tough stance compelled Pakistan to take this step. However, this is the perfect opportunity for both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions. Let this be the beginning of a new era of peace and harmony. People should realize that the coming together of the two nations can generate unprecedented benefits for both countries. It is time that the Narendra Modi-led government took the first step of friendship towards its neighbouring country. Imran Khan has promised to take two steps for every step that India takes. The prime minister of India should not try to gain political mileage from this episode and instead put in efforts to maintain peace in the region.Bidyut Kumar Chatterjee,Faridabad Sir - Hats off to Abhinandan Varthaman for his valour. Further, India's air strike in Balakot has sent a strong message to Pakistan. It has been made clear that terrorism will not be tolerated in New India. This is what seems to have prompted the talk about peace and de-escalation of tensions. Significantly, even the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation did not bend to Pakistan's threat of boycotting a meeting if the Indian minister of external affairs, Sushma Swaraj, was present. Pakistan has thus understood India's diplomatic prowess. Mihir Kanungo,CalcuttaSir - Indians were relieved to see Abhinandan Varthaman return to the country. Varthaman has made us proud with his fortitude. While India is said to have put pressure on Pakistan to facilitate Varthaman's release, it cannot be denied that this is a diplomatic win for Pakistan. It knew that anything else would have led already aggravated tempers to flare and made reconciliation difficult. Varthaman's release, therefore, came at a crucial time, ensuring that the two nations find common ground to open dialogue.Ranganathan Sivakumar,ChennaiSir - The spirit of patriotism shown by Abhinandan Varthaman must be lauded. He is even said to have tried to swallow some documents to prevent sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands. His release is heartening. Prabir Kumar Naskar,BaruipurUnhelpful handSir - A survey by a non-governmental organization has found that 84 per cent people do not know about the Good Samaritan laws that protect passers-by who help victims of road accidents. The government's casual attitude is partly to blame for this lack of awareness. It is important to raise awareness about this law through campaigns, which will motivate people to help victims of road accidents to the best of their abilities. Unfortunately, people still fear the consequences of taking accident victims to the hospital such as harassment by the police. Further, most accidents in India occur because of the carelessness of drivers or pedestrians. One way of preventing them is by bringing more stringent laws and instituting harsher penalties. Another reason behind accidents is the inadequacy of street lights. The authorities must remedy this at once.Kiran Agarwal,CalcuttaSir - The existence of Good Samaritan laws notwithstanding, bystanders who help accident victims still have to face a barrage of questions from doctors and the police. These professionals should be educated about the laws as well.Raunak Mallick,Calcutta Dailyhunthttps://mix.com/jprsworld

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Central Bank puts NPAs on the block

In fact, among stressed accounts currently being resolved under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, Essar Steel has witnessed the most number of lenders wanting a quick exit. Only last month, State Bank of India finally shelved its plans to sell its Rs 1,543-crore exposure to Essar Steel amid poor response despite several extensions. Last week, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal directed its Ahmedabad bench to take a decision on ArcelorMittal's resolution plan for the debt-laden Essar Steel by March 8. If it failed to do so, it would call for records and pass an order. The appellate tribunal further listed the matter for March 13. It is fairly well-known that delays in resolution owing to excessive litigation, among other factors, have prompted bankers to go for quick cash-based recoveries, sometimes even at a haircut compared to the expected recovery in event of a successful resolution under the IBC. Central Bank of India has also listed Bombay Rayon Fashions Limited for sale at a reserve price of Rs 33.78 crore. The state-run lender has set a reserve price of Rs 415 crore for Essar Steel India, Rs 709.50 crore for Bhushan Power & Steel and Rs 197.63 crore for Alok Industries. FE Dailyhunthttps://www.whatdotheyknow.com/user/mahidhar_raj/profile

Dust pollution poses health hazard in Paradip

Previously, air pollution was limited to certain areas in the vicinity of the port. Owing to hue and cry by locals and environmentalists, certain pollution control measures were undertaken by the port authorities such as sprinkling of water in the coal and iron ore stacking yards. But these measures did not produce the desired results. Sources said two fertiliser plants, Paradeep Phosphates Limited (PPL) and Indian Farmers Fertilisers' Co-operative Limited (IFFCO), generate gypsum waste to the tune of 25 lakh tonne annually. On an average, 2.5 lakh tonne of waste is generated every month. While PPL supplies the waste to different cement and other factories in Bangladesh, IFFCO sends it to factories by road. Slum dwellers and residents of the town alleged that transporting agencies have been shifting gypsum dust in uncovered lorries as a result of which the wastes fall on the roads resulting in air pollution. The plight of around 4,000 residents of Lock Pada slum can be termed as pathetic. Most houses in the area are covered with red-coloured iron dust.Environmentalists said dust particles are a potential source of air and water pollution. People residing in areas near industrial units of the town have become susceptible to respiratory disorders and skin diseases. Smoke and dust filled air has emerged as a major health hazard in such localities. Unless regulatory measures are launched on a war footing, Paradip would turn into a major pollution zone, they warned. OSPCB Regional Officer Ramesh Chandra Ekka said trucks carrying gypsum waste are often overloaded as a result of which the dust spills onto the road. He said IFFCO and PPL have been advised to load the trucks to 75 per cent capacity to avoid spillage. "If the industries do not comply with our direction, then we will be forced to stop transport of gypsum waste by road," Ekka said. Dailyhunthttps://www.rehashclothes.com/jprsworld

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RRB ALP, Technician mock test link activated, admit card to release this week

Railway Recruitment Board will conduct the ALP and technician second stage recruitment exam from January 21 to January 23. The result for the first stage CBT of ALP, Technician recruitment exam was announced in November 2018 but many candidates raised objections on the answer keys. The RRB ALP, Technician second stage admit card will be released four days before the exam, that is, January 17. The exam city and date intimation dates will be mentioned in the e-call letter. Moreover, just like the first stage exam, the Railway Recruitment Board will activate the mock link for candidates to get familiar with the RRB exam pattern. The link will be active on January 12. For all latest Govt Jobs 2018, Railway Jobs, Bank Jobs and SSC Jobs log on to IndianExpress.com. We bring you fastest and relevant notifications on Bank, Railways and Govt Jobs. Stay Connected. Dailyhunthttps://www.whatdotheyknow.com/user/sid_tarak

Sonchiriya screening: Sara Ali Khan, Vicky Kaushal and Kubra Sait in attendance

(Express photo: Varinder Chawla) BFFs Ananya Pandey and Sara Ali Khan attended the screening of Sonchiriya. (Express photo: Varinder Chawla) Vicky Kaushal was among the celebrities at the screening of Sonchiriya. (Express photo: Varinder Chawla) Later, the shutterbugs captured Vicky, Ananya and Sara together. (Express photo: Varinder Chawla) Our shutterbugs also spotted Kubra Sait, Rasika Duggal and Diana Penty at the screening of Sonchiriya. (Express photo: Varinder Chawla) Filmmakers Nitesh Tiwari, Anand L Rai and Mudasir Aziz struck a pose for the shutterbugs. (Express photo: Varinder Chawla) Javed Akhtar arrived at the screening of Sonchiriya with Shabana Azmi. (Express photo: Varinder Chawla) Ishaan Khatter was clicked at the screening of Sonchiriya. (Express photo: Varinder Chawla) Dailyhunthttps://www.goodreads.com/user/show/94233454-mahidhar-raj

29-week-old foetus with brain problems can be aborted: Calcutta HC

oesophagus, said the lawyer for the petitioner. Arundhati Mukherjee, assistant professor of paediatrics of National Medical College and Hospital, said, 'Problems of the heart and oesophagus are quite common in children suffering from Down's Syndrome. Down's Syndrome can be of different degrees. If it's acute, life becomes extremely painful not only for the kid but also for the parents.' On January 29, a single judge bench of Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty turned down the 42-year-old woman's petition to terminate what was then a 26-week-old foetus. The judge observed that at that stage, abortion was impossible and if the baby was born with Down's Syndrome, it could be treated. Down's Syndrome is a genetic disorder that is associated with delayed physical growth, and impaired intellectual growth apart. According to the Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, the permission of a high court is required for the abortion of a foetus which is more than 20 -weeks old . The upper limit of legal abortions in India's Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill 2016 is 20 weeks, but the health ministry is finalising a proposal to increase it to 24 weeks, and, in cases of substantial foetal abnormalities, do away with the upper limit altogether. The petitioner's counsels — Kallol Basu and Apalak Basu — argued in court that her 48-year-old husband is an employee of a private firm with a modest salary, and it would be impossible for them to bear the cost of sustained treatment of a baby born with Down's Syndrome. They also emphasised the constant mental agony that the family would undergo in raising the child. The couple has a 13-year-old daughter. Earlier, a medical board of the state-run SSKM Medical College & Hospital [Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata], submitted a report to the single bench and said there is a possibility that the condition of the baby could improve if it is delivered after completion of the full-term of pregnancy. The single bench order was based on the report of a medical board, constituted by the West Bengal government that the foetus was suffering from Down's Syndrome and the baby would be born with grave abnormalities. Dailyhunthttps://angel.co/jprsinner