Table of contents for January 16, 2017 in India Today (2025)

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India Today|January 16, 2017FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEFIn a new essay, Pico Iyer says our lives are shaped by unexpectedness. Nothing has been truer of 2016. England voting to exit the European Union, Donald Trump winning the US presidential election, the worsening Syrian refugee crisis, unabated terrorist attacks across the world and India declaring 86 per cent of its currency illegal were only some of the highlights. It was a truly topsy-turvy year. Everything that the pundits predicted of the world was upended. The consequences of all that happened will be played out in the coming year, and it may not be a pretty sight. It seems that it will be the Year of Living Dangerously but it is also true that every ending has a new beginning . In that spirit, we have a great collection…3 min
India Today|January 16, 2017THE CUB EARNS HIS STRIPESGENERALS OF THE PARI-WAR The Yadav family feud has split the Samajwadi Party down the middle MULAYAM CAMP 1. Sarla Yadav Wife of Shivpal, she is not active in politics now but has very good relations with Akhilesh 2. Sadhna Yadav Mulayam’s second wife is known for backroom politics. Has good contacts in the Vaishya community. Is now campaigning for daughter-in-law Aparna 3. Ankur Yadav Son of Shivpal, he shares a good rapport with Akhilesh but cannot go against his father 4. Aparna Yadav Wife of Prateek Yadav, she has sided with Shivpal; is SP candidate from Lucknow Cantt assembly seat 5. Shivpal Singh Yadav Mulayam is heavily dependent on his brother Shivpal for running the party. Shivpal has good relations with other regional parties 6. Prateek Yadav Mulayam’s younger…5 min
India Today|January 16, 2017WE ARE THE PEOPLE, WHO ARE YOU?A FTER BREXIT AND TRUMP, 2016 is widely seen as an annus horribilis for liberalism. If you define the liberal ideal, as The Economist does, as “…open economies and open societies, where the free exchange of goods, capital, people and ideas is encouraged and where universal freedoms are protected from state abuse by the rule of law…”, this has been a bad year. John Gray, an English philosopher who foretold both Brexit and Trump, agrees with the definition but unlike the house magazine of laissez faire liberalism, he welcomes its decline. Gray sees the liberal faith in progress as a dangerous delusion and he welcomes disenchantment with the pieties of neo-liberalism as a necessary first step towards a new realism. It’s hard, though, to find a generalisation that fits all…8 min
India Today|January 16, 2017A Long WatchT HERE IS AN ENDEARING naiveté to the belief that humans are so predictable that one can forecast their collective behaviour a year in advance. Economies, like Newtonian objects, do not change momentum without new forces being applied, making predictions somewhat tricky, particularly as major forces are generally not known in advance. As we saw in 2016, unexpected developments across the world (demonetisation, Trump and Brexit, to name a few) not only shook up conventional thinking, forcing analysts to revisit the first principles of economics and politics, but also left all forecasts made last year in the dust. And yet there is some value in looking through the windscreen. The first ‘forecast’ for 2017, however unhelpful for those desirous of clear visibility, is of significant policy uncertainty. The momentous changes…6 min
India Today|January 16, 2017The New CIA... China, India and AmericaThe decline of Sino-US ties is an opportunity India must seize, and place itself firmly in the middle to have the best of both worlds By KISHORE MAHBUBANI S HAKESPEARE WISELY SAID, , “There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries.” Such a window of opportunity has now opened for India to join the ‘A’ league of powers. The election of Donald Trump has opened this window. A rocky, probably even turbulent, road lies ahead for US-China relations. Even before taking office, Trump has challenged China on many fronts, from trade to Taiwan. In the face of this, India has two choices. It can sit back…6 min
India Today|January 16, 2017The Future is Still GlobalI NDIA CONFRONTS A WORLD OF paradoxes. There is a reassertion of nationalist sentiment in countries across the globe, accompanied by sharpening political and social polarisation. This contradicts the reality of the increasingly globalised and densely interconnected world we inhabit today. Our destinies as countries and peoples are more intertwined, and the cross-border and crossdomain challenges we confront today are more numerous and salient than at any time in human history. This unfolding and inescapable reality is the result of the rapid technological changes which pervade our lives. The globalisation of our economies is a consequence of this change. The new reality compels collaborative responses from the international community and institutions to enable them to deal effectively with contemporary challenges. And yet we seem to be regressing into an outdated…7 min
India Today|January 16, 2017A Year Best ForgottenY ES, YES, WE KNOW. It’s going to get worse before it gets better. That distant glow we can see beyond the bend in the tunnel may just be a bulb marking the halfway point—the actual end may be much further away. Yes, if in 2014 we were staring into the abyss, now we are in full plunge, waiting for some hook or protuberance from the side to catch us and keep us from falling further, so let’s not even talk of ‘climbing out of the hole’ just yet. It’s too soon to know where exactly we can place 2016 in the anni horribili rankings, and of course different groups of people (and different countries) will have very different rankings, but even so it’s clear that the just-departed ’16 was…6 min
India Today|January 16, 2017YEAR BooksMuch of the fun of reading is in the anticipation. Before its spine is cracked open, every book is perfect, unsullied by boredom or disappointment or, worst of all, abandonment. These are some of the year’s most eagerly awaited titles. And don’t worry about the books you won’t finish or won’t even crack open. Regrets and recriminations are for endings not beginnings. • FICTION FEW SECOND NOVELS CAN HAVE BEEN MORE freighted with expectation than The Ministry of Utmost Happiness. Arundhati Roy’s Booker-winning debut, The God of Small Things, turned her into a literary superstar and a symbol for India’s growing self-confidence. But instead of rushing another novel into print, Roy abandoned fiction-writing to become an activist and a dogged critic of untrammelled state power. Now, though, Roy has finally…8 min
India Today|January 16, 2017LEARNING THE LAWCOMMON LAW ADMISSION TEST (CLAT) Chanakya National Law University, based out of Patna, will conduct Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) as a centralised computer-based exam for admission to 19 coveted National Law universities such as the National Law School of India (NLSIU), Bangalore, and National Academy of Legal Studies and Research University of Law (NALSAR), Hyderabad, and other law colleges in India, applications for which will begin from January 1. It is one of the most popular law entrance exam for seeking admission to the five-year integrated law programmes such as BA LLB, BCom LLB, BSc LLB and BBA LLB. Important dates CLAT will be held on May 14, 2017 Eligibility Class 12 with minimum 45 per cent for undergraduate courses. LLB with minimum 55 per cent for postgraduate courses…6 min
India Today|January 16, 20179 Tech Trends in EducationFOUNDER & CEO, MARKSHARKS, AN ED-TECH COMPANY, DELHI It’s right to say that technology is changing the way the world functions; it’s undoubtedly faster than ever. Communication, travel, entertainment, health care and several other activities in our daily lives are being revolutionised by technological advances. Many of these successes originate in research and development labs, and in educational institutions. However, the education sector itself is one of the slowest to embrace the change and take advantage of developments in technology and effectively change the way learning is delivered to students. With increasing awareness and the right push, the sector is beginning to feel the need to transform digitally. Some key factors that can fastrack the process of adaptation in 2017 and can bring about a shift from traditional leadership roles…4 min
India Today|January 16, 2017Bringing Words to LifeFOUNDER, WRITER’S SIDE, A LITERARY AGENCY, DELHI I once read these lines on a website called Pubcrawl, written by a literary agent by the name of Mandy Hubbard, which suggested a simple, two-step approach to becoming a literary agent. “First, decide you want to become a literary agent. Second, call yourself a literary agent,” it said. For someone like me, who forayed into this field without a degree or relevant experience, these lines were gold. The scenario has changed a lot since then. Get a degree Nowadays, it is not necessary for a publishing professional to be an English or Philosophy graduate. They come from various fields including engineering, management and even pure sciences. A good grasp of English, however, is a prerequisite. And while, it is not mandatory to…2 min
India Today|January 16, 2017WOMENOBJECT OF DESIRE The influence of art is evident in statement jewellery. The 18 carat gold Chivor Bague ring from Aurelie Bidermann stands out with its sapphire glass compartment containing ethereal cut, blue sapphires. A truly classy piece. Price $2,445 Availabilitythewebster.us SOMETHING BLUE Embrace the subversive spirit of leather with the blue lambskin belted waist dress from Nina Ricci featuring a V-neck, a concealed front fastening, a bow ribbon, long sleeves, a flared skirt, a pleated design and front flap pockets. Price $5,795 Availabilitywww.more.com FEET FIRST These Made in Italy Aquazzura’s Pasadena sandals in soft suede with detailed cutouts create an ornamented composition. The chic signature ankle ties are minimal and beautiful. Price $785 Availabilitywww.net-a-porter.com BAG IT Timeless, distinctive and art in itself, the Lady Dior bag is imbued with…1 min
India Today|January 16, 2017ACCESSORIESMOUNTAIN HIGH The House of Fendi’s leisurewear collection for Fall/Winter 2016-17 injects a high dose of edgy fun into both apparel and accessories. Combining high-tech materials and workmanship with luxurious style, imbued with a touch of eccentricity, it offers wardrobe choices for those who wear fashion as fun. Fur is a big part of the collection, as obvious in these pink and black fur trekking shoes. Price `1.42 lakh AvailabilityFendi.com BEST FOOT FORWARD Smart footwear completes the look in ways that other accessories can’t even aspire to. This casual pair of moccasins from Michael Kors are a fun way to add some casual chic to a Sunday brunch. What makes for an additional fun element is that they are handpainted. The earthy taupe makes it compatible with almost any colour…1 min
India Today|January 16, 2017Return to LOSS“…this isn’t a dream, this is the sea” - Raul Zurita, For Kurosawa/The Sea Outside the warehouse at Aspinwall, Kochi, the poet who was born in Santiago, Chile, is untying his shoelaces before stepping into the sea, a tomb to Galip Kurdi, the Kurdish refugee child who drowned in the waters off Turkey. A woman hitches up her dress and asks if the water is dirty. The poet Ral Zurita looks away and walks into the man-made sea. He stands there in the middle exposed, vulnerable and open to interpretations as all poets are. The poem at the end of the make-believe sea, Sea of Pain, is ancient. The poet says it took him 66 years to think about it. He writes “No one can mimic his final image moored…3 min
India Today|January 16, 2017ROAD TO PERFECTIONThe iconic Ford Mustang is a celebrity in itself. With a cult following across the globe, the icon has been part of Hollywood movies to having songs written about it. And the growl of the engine can still make any heart around the world, skip a beat or two. With over five decades of collective pavement beneath its wheels, the Ford Mustang is an automotive legend. The shark nose grille, short muscular rear haunches and the signature triple blade tail lamps, had made it a heartthrob, still making it stand out in a crowd. Yet under closer examination, each generation of Mustang is in fact a reflection of the varied socio-economic and cultural climates of each time in which they were created in the Design Studios of Ford’s headquarters in…4 min
India Today|January 16, 2017TRAIL BLAZERInvention and innovation are words easy to mouth in today’s digitised age, but to think of a time, centuries ago, when handcrafting was the only key to designing, Abraham-Louis Breguet (founder of the 241-yearold Swiss brand) stood out as the master of many global firsts and cutting edge innovations, earning him the sobriquet of “father of modern day horology.” With over 200 patents since 1755, the tourbillon propelled him into an elite circle of inventors in 1801. This came at a time when real, high precision timekeeping was becoming possible for the very first time in portable instruments, and when accurate timekeeping in general was beginning to find a solid scientific foundation. The brilliant watchmaker’s tourbillon in a pocket watch made it possible to compensate for the disturbing effects of…3 min
India Today|January 16, 2017LEARNING THE SWISS WAYThe sky is overcast, it’s about starting to rain and the nip in the air is typical of Switzerland at this time of year. It’s a quarter after one on a Friday afternoon, and we are at Institut Le Rosey, a boarding school in Switzerland, largely considered one of most expensive in the world. It is time to break for lunch and young boys and girls in their teens, from all over the world, nattily dressed, start filtering out of their classrooms heading out to the main dining hall, about two blocks away from the building, where classes are conducted. The dining, done in typical English design, has a formal sit down arrangement, with a strict no-nonsense character to it. Students start taking their seats and check out the menu…7 min
India Today|January 16, 2017Lake of DreamsQ. What does winning the award mean to you? This award means the earth to me since it is work done with passion, beyond professional calling and believing all along that the biggest award for me is my happiness. Q. What motivated you to take up the cleaning initiative for Ameenpur lake? I am very passionate about nature. Over my many visits to the lake, I was saddened to see the dirt and pollution—plastic bags, garbage and waste all around. Watching the birds and spending time amidst the beauty of nature here and such a vast body of water crying out for help prompted me to sit up and take action. We started the clean-up initiative early last year. Eventually, we were joined by a few other concerned citizens. Q.…2 min
India Today|January 16, 2017Banking on E-cashJANUARY 2, 2017 “Modi’s demonetisation decision is a gamble on both his own and the BJP’s political future. However, two consequences are clear: many bank accounts will be opened, and the number of digital transactions will zoom” KRISHAN KALRA, via e-mail A Step in the Right Direction At a time when the parliamentary logjam has wiped out almost the entire winter session of Parliament, it is heartening to see legislation like the Rights of Persons With Disabilities Bill being passed (Not Quite Enabling Legislation). The amended list of disabilities ensures that the survivors of acid attacks are protected, which will be widely regarded as a positive step. However, there is also a need to bring in cultural change—people’s attitudes toward the disabled need to evolve. Laws must work in tandem…6 min
India Today|January 16, 2017“WE WILL GO ACROSS AGAIN”24 Safdarjung Road, the official residence of the vice-chief of army staff, thrums with activity early on a foggy January morning, just days after General Bipin Rawat assumed office on New Year’s Day as India’s 27th chief of the army staff. (His official 4 Rajaji Marg residence is under renovation.) His twin Dachshunds, Dash and Tickle, shoot around like little guided torpedoes clad in identical red-andblack-trimmed winter fleece. Staff officers and Tavor rifle-wielding bodyguards of the special forces flank the fleet of black armoured Scorpios waiting to make the short two km drive to his office deep within the sandstone corridors of South Block. The general appears in the verandah of his home, proffers a firm handshake. He’s of medium height, stockily built, with salt and pepper hair and a…7 min
India Today|January 16, 2017Demonetise the BabusW HEN THAT ICON of the Non-Aligned Movement, Fidel Castro, passed away recently, he was remembered fondly by an older generation of Cubans. Among them were people who had been illiterate adults when the revolution occurred in 1959. Two years later, when the government declared ‘the year of education’, the illiteracy rate fell from around 40 per cent to less than 4 per cent. Cuba went from being a poor country with low levels of rural literacy to universal literacy. It did this with few economic resources and without the steel frame of a permanent, well-functioning bureaucracy. Moreover, some of Cuba’s best educated people had fled and it was faced with a shortage of trained teachers and educators. I invoke Cuba’s experience with radical change in order to put into…8 min
India Today|January 16, 2017FEDERAL FAULTLINESONE OF THE DEFINING FEATURES of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s discourse around governance reform has been the goal of building a more cooperative form of Centre-state relations. A former chief minister himself, Modi promised a new approach. Chief ministers would work together with the Centre as a ‘Team India’ to resolve differences and achieve a jointly defined national interest. There have been real changes in the practice and institutional architecture of federalism in the last two years. The implementation of the Fourteenth Finance Commission recommendations increased the states’ share of central taxation from 32 per cent to 42 per cent. Along with the rationalisation of centrally sponsored schemes, this move recognised the demand of state governments to have more autonomy over their spending decisions. It constituted a substantial increase in…6 min
India Today|January 16, 2017LINE OF NO CONTROLT HOUGH 2016 HAS BEEN a geopolitical annus horribilis all round, it is easy to forget that it was not supposed to be so. “Ab to yahaan aana jaana laga rahega (Now there will be much coming and going),” remarked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his counterpart, Nawaz Sharif, during his 2015 Christmas Day visit to Lahore. “Aap ka ghar hai (This is your house),” replied Sharif, perhaps channelling the heady optimism of another celebrated meeting in that city 16 years beforehand. There was indeed much aana jaana over the year. Unfortunately, most of it was carried on by jihadists and special forces, resulting in the worst period for India-Pakistan relations since the Mumbai attacks of 2008. How did we arrive at this point? A week after Modi’s triumphal visit,…7 min
India Today|January 16, 2017Why Software Hasn’t Won... YetS INCE IT WAS formally founded in the early 1940s, computer science has made extraordinary progress and contributed positively to society. It has, in many cases, lowered the barrier for access to information, transactions, education, and healthcare. It has enabled us to put man on the moon and perhaps even beyond. It fuels the most modern progress in science. It has rendered distance immaterial. It may even help by driving cars for us, delivering packages in cities and flying aircraft. And, in some cases, it even appears that ‘intelligent’ software systems may entirely take over from human beings. In fact, the birth, genesis and vision of computer science has always been to build a machine that can ‘accurately’ emulate human ‘intelligence’. Despite all these strides, computer science still has a…6 min
India Today|January 16, 2017Shining a Light on GujaratWhile several tomes have been produced on the Gujarat growth model, these are by and large zoomed-out macro pictures of the state. The india today State of the State report—the third in an ongoing series of state reports— presents a micro-analysis of performance at the district level. Releasing the report in Ahmedabad on December 23, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said, “This study will help us gauge the development in the districts of Gujarat. This objective and highly credible study will help the government map and plan Gujarat’s growth.” The chief minister also gave away the awards to the district magistrates and police superintendents of the best performing and most improved districts at the third edition of the State of the State Conclave. The conclave is a signature india today…5 min
India Today|January 16, 2017THE SCIENCE OF LAWIn just under three decades since the establishment of the first National Law University (NLU) in Bangalore in 1987, law has become the fastest growing sector. According to an estimate by the Bar Council of India, there are around 1.5 million registered advocates in the country today, in addition to around 950 law schools and five lakh law students. Every year, approximately 70,000 law graduates join the profession. “The number of law school applicants goes up by 25 per cent on an average,” says Shashikala Gurpur, Dean and Principal, Symbiosis Law School, Pune. Last year, more than 45,000 students sat for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), which was conducted by Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Delhi. Traditionally, students could only take up litigation by specialising in either criminal…10 min
India Today|January 16, 2017BRUSH UP YOURSKILLSCEO, AVANSE, AN EDUCATION FINANCE COMPANY, MUMBAI Impressed by a lawyer’s oratory and analytical skills in court? There’s much more than what meets the eye. Close observation will reveal unique traits and a personality that a lawyer may or may not possess but must eventually develop. The long and often abstruse route begins well before law school; a challenging career with indefinite working hours forces one to develop a critical eye and a sceptical attitude that can question the opponent’s moves. Know what it takes to be a successful lawyer even if you’re still in school. Effective communication and listening skills A lawyer should not only be articulate but also possess good written communication skills that will allow him to write clearly, persuasively and concisely. To communicate effectively, one must…2 min
India Today|January 16, 2017RISE OF CYBER SOLDIERSCO-FOUNDER, INNEFU LABS, AN INFORMATION SECURITY CONSULTING COMPANY, DELHI TOP INSTITUTES ▸ International College of Security Studies, Gurgaon ▸ Amity University, Noida ▸ Sharda University, Greater Noida ▸ Bardhaman Cyber Research and Training Institute, Burdwan ▸ Asian School of Cyber Laws, Pune ▸ The National Law Institute University, Bhopal ▸ Sarvodaya Law College, Bangalore ▸ Amrita School of Engineering, Tamil Nadu ▸ University of Madras, Chennai Businesses cannot operate without the internet. While the benefits of the digital revolution surpass the pitfalls, one cannot take risks like data leaks and losses lightly. Cyber criminals are not only targeting big corporate houses; government agencies, banks, and research institutes are also facing problems with hacking and spying frequently. This is the prime reason for the burgeoning of information technology (IT) security companies…2 min
India Today|January 16, 2017LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEFNovelist Graham Greene once observed, “Cinema has to appeal to millions.” It is probably this need for a mass draw that precludes film as a great art form on par with theatre, literature, or painting. This need not be the case as we know that film is capable of art of the highest order. It is this dilemma that we found ourselves contending with popular actor, Hrithik Roshan, as he posed for the cover of our Art Special. Roshan is conscious of how Bollywood measures success largely by box office returns, but prefers to let passion guide his decisions. He surrounds himself with art in many forms, whether it’s the prolific S.H. Raza or graffiti artists Daku and Banksy. The energetic evocation of art can neither be licensed nor tamed.…2 min
India Today|January 16, 2017Go Metallic1 MARCO DE VINCENZO PLEATED FRONT SKIRT The sculpted bronze-tone pleated front skirt from Marco De Vincenzo is architecturally beautiful. From a crisp white linen shirt or black polo neck top, it works with everything. Price $997 Buy from www.farfetch.com 2 ANYA HINDMARCH LEATHER POUCH Anya Hindmarch focuses on pixilation with this silver textured-leather Georgiana pouch. Embossed with a tonal blue Space Invader motif and finished with the label’s signature handcrafted tassel, it’s the perfect replacement for that plain wallet. Price $355 Buy from www.lyst.com 3 ASHISH SEQUINED SILK BOMBER JACKET Ashish Gupta has crayons and 80s couture as key influences for this silk-georgette bomber jacket. Saturated in shimmering navy sequins and beaded tassels for swishy movement, the ribbed collar and cuffs add to its sporty feel. Price $1,751 Buy…1 min
India Today|January 16, 2017METEOR SHOWERThe secrets of the universe remain a mystery; decoding it completely may still be light years away, but you can attempt a second best by wearing a real piece of space on your wrist. This exceptional Moonwatch model, added to the Omega collection, combines elements of celestial inspirations. The highlight of this watch is its incredible meteorite dial. In each timepiece, the dial has been made from a solid piece of extra-terrestrial stone. Omega’s “meteorite dial” has been sourced from slices of the Gibeon meteorite that fell in prehistoric times in Namibia. The Widmanstätten pattern, named after the Austrian scientist who discovered it, refers to the ribbon-like flecks that are found in this kind of meteorite after an acid etch. What makes this even more exclusive is that not only…1 min
India Today|January 16, 2017LEGENDS RETOLDA ccording to the Rig Veda, when a sage opens his eyes to the world, he assimilates all the multiplicities of the world with that one look. He internalises them and reflects back to the world as much as is taken in. It is this philosophy that lends itself to the 2016 Kochi-Muziris Biennale theme Forming in the Pupil of an Eye. Mumbai-based artist Sudarshan Shetty, who took over as curator of the Biennale last year, has a particular fondness for Vedic philosophy, just as he does for India’s ancient arts. Shetty grew up in a household rich with poetry and music—his father was a Yakshagana artiste—and it is through his works of art that he reflects all that he has internalised. His latest A Story A Song, a set…3 min
India Today|January 16, 2017GOING DUTCHIcarus had been warned but he took to the skies anyway; melting his wings of wax as he flew too close to the sun, plummeting to his untimely death. Hoary tradition stands testament to this compulsive obsession to fly. But the annoying ear popping, cramped quarters, unimaginative food are enough to challenge that assumption. Not so aboard the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, as we found out. The aircraft has ushered in revolutionary design solutions that make the experience truly seamless. Who but royalty would understand the true merit of real luxury? As soon as you clamber onto your trans Atlantic flight from Delhi to Amsterdam, you realise that every one of your needs has already been prepared for in anticipation, even those that you hadn’t fully articulated to your inner…3 min
India Today|January 16, 2017SKY ISN’T THE LIMITT he 1989 Pilatus PC-6 Porter has slowed down to 60 knots from a zooming 160; tandem master Jan Eckmann’s altimeter says 14,000 feet, and he’s begun the final countdown. I peep out of the aircraft and there isn’t a chance to voice any hesitation as we’ve already dived. Floating on what feels like an air-cushion during the minute-long freefall, with the Swiss Alps and the Jura on the horizon, all I can do is gasp in amazement. As the parachute opens, we float for some time before descending; the exhilarated first-time skydiver in me simply can’t get enough. With feet firmly planted on the ground, I realise just how important aviation is to Breitling; their skydiving team has merely reiterated their passion for flying. High Flyers The brand that…3 min
India Today|January 16, 2017GLASS HOUSENEW YEAR’S EVE PEEVES When Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he’d address the nation on New Year’s eve, partygoers weren’t the only ones spooked. BJP ministers too were asked to cancel their party plans and spr ead the message of demonetisation instead. Congress leaders were equ ally grumpy, but only because vice-president Rahul Gandhi had chosen to go abroad for New Year’s when he should have stayed on to counter Modi’s propoor announcements. Foreign jau nts, they say, are hardly in keeping with the party’s narrative of standing for the poor. DYNASTY, INTO TWO Former finance minister and Congress leader Lal Singh is asking the high command to set aside the ‘one-family, one-ticket’ rule mooted by Amarinder Singh. He wants a second ticket for his son Rajinder Singh. “I can’t…4 min
India Today|January 16, 2017THE ELEPHANTS ARE OUTT HE NEW YEAR OF 2017 already seems destined to be remembered as one of those epochal turning points: another end of history or the end of globalisation or the end of liberalism, or if you are prone to utter hysteria, the End of Days. Most of this is, of course, because of all that transpired in 2016. Here, at this magazine, dedicated as we are to the persistent present of India today, we are less inclined to hyperbole. But even we might concede that perhaps 2017 marks a much-postponed conclusion to the lingering 20th century. Though the closing weeks of 2016 have been tumultuous, even chaotic, in India, the turmoil was announced by distant drums: the Brexit vote in the UK, the election of Donald Trump in the US,…2 min
India Today|January 16, 2017The Lucknow GambitT HE POLITICAL OUTCOMES of 2017 will shape the politics of the next decade. Two key elections to state assemblies will bookend all others— Uttar Pradesh in spring and Gujarat in winter. A bad outcome for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in UP would mean a summer of political discontent which could stretch into the monsoon months, dampening economic sentiment and sharpening political divides. On the other hand, a happy outcome for the BJP in the state could see the Congress party melt further in the heat of increased internal frustration born out of the party’s Hamletian dilemma—to be or not to be under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. Consider the alternative scenarios. Scenario 1 would see the BJP emerging as the single-largest party in Uttar Pradesh, perhaps even with an absolute…7 min
India Today|January 16, 2017The Battle for BackwardnessI N JULY LAST YEAR, the Patels of Gujarat launched their movement for quotas in educational institutions and public employment. Over the months that followed, millions gathered at rallies, drawn by the charisma and oratory of 23-year-old Hardik Patel of the Patidar Samaj Andolan. The Patels are a force to be reckoned with in Gujarat, making up 15 per cent of the electorate. The chief minister at the time of the protest was a Patel, as are a fifth of all Gujarat MLAs, several members of Parliament and countless motel owners in North America. Hardik knew and drew upon this community strength. He threatened the ruling BJP government at the now famous rally in Ahmedabad on August 25, 2015—“…if you do not talk about our interest, the lotus will not…7 min
India Today|January 16, 2017India and the West Asian WarsKEYNOTES 1 West Asia’s wars are complex, with more than 20 major participants 2 Groups include non-state and quasi-state actors as well as nation states 3 A proxy conflict between external great powers complicates matters 4 India must chalk out its strategy keeping in mind the complexity of events 5 The humanitarian aspect of this conflict must not be forgotten T HE RECAPTURE OF ALEPPO by the Assad government in Syria has catapulted the Syrian civil war into every living room in India and elsewhere. The humanitarian horror on TV screens is, however, only the tip of the iceberg of a complex conflict that has deep roots and presents unique dangers to Indian interests, given our geographic proximity and selective dependencies with the region. Unlike many other civil wars with…8 min
India Today|January 16, 2017Beating the Retreat of IceT HERE IS OVERWHELMING consensus within the scientific community, based on independent evidence from multiple sources, that the ongoing global warming is caused by rising levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. Most alarming is the accelerating retreat of planetary ice, particularly in the Arctic, which happens to be the fastest warming region on the globe. The 3,000 metre thick Greenland ice shield has been melting for many years, with two independent factors in operation accelerating the rate of melt: warming of the Arctic Ocean due to the steadily diminishing seaice cover and the fall in altitude with declining thickness of the ice shield. Complete melting of the Greenland ice mass will raise global sea levels by six metres. Ongoing thawing of the permafrost of the circum-Arctic tundra will release the…8 min
India Today|January 16, 2017Highway to GrowthThe growth story of Gujarat is one of a state punching above its weight. With only 6 per cent of India’s land mass and barely 5 per cent of its population, Gujarat has managed to account for 7.6 per cent of the country’s GDP and 22 per cent of its exports. Its annual Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth from 2001 to 2013 (growth has slowed down since) averaged nearly 10 per cent, which is faster than India’s. This is an extraordinary accomplishment Between 1980 and 2013, Gujarat grew at an average rate of 5.1 per cent. If Gujarat were a country with a 10 million-plus population, this would be the third-fastest growth rate in the world, after China and South Korea. What were the factors that helped Gujarat accomplish…20 min
India Today|January 16, 2017EYECATCHERSPEOPLE TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2017 Artistes, dancers, musicians, fashion designers et al ACTOR SURAJ SHARMA The Life of Pi actor is making his Bollywood debut in the Anushka Sharma-produced Phillauri FILMMAKER KONKANA SENSHARMA Her polished directorial debut, A Death in the Gunj, boasts one of the finest acting ensembles ACTRESS NIDHHI AGERWAL A Bengaluru beauty like Deepika Padukone, Agerwal has reportedly made a strong first impression with Munna Michael MUSIC TEJAS MENON A rising talent on the indie music scene, Menon’s acoustic poprock is easy on the ears RAFTAAR With a Dhaakad year in 2016, the rapper is here to give Badshah and Honey Singh a run for their money GARIMA ARORA Her Mumbai restaurant plan derailed, the ex-Noma chef is sharpening her knives to give boss Gaggan…1 min
India Today|January 16, 2017WHY A DEGREE IN INTERNATIONALLAW WILL UPGRADE YOUACTING CHAIRMAN, AMITY LAW SCHOOL, AMITY UNIVERSITY, NOIDA Law binds the society by ensuring adherence to commonly inherited and accepted values and standards. Education in law includes information on both professional and liberal fronts, which means value-oriented socio-cultural learning while acquiring professional skills. UNDERSTANDING INTERNATIONAL LAW With technological and scientific advancement and an increased acceptance of a globalised framework, a degree in international law involves legal practice that spans across multiple countries and their legal systems. Traditionally, practising at a law firm meant focusing on national or domestic legal issues. International law is the set of rules generally regarded and accepted as binding in relations between nations. NEED OF THE HOUR Exponential growth in international activities, including socio-cultural interactions and trade, is leading to an increased need for sound legal…2 min
India Today|January 16, 2017AGENTS OF CHANGEAADVO, DELHI Founders Vivek Nani, 24; Vishesh Dora, 25 What is it? The legal ecosystem, Aadvo, simplifies the chaotic process of managing legal transactions into a single tool. Launched in December 2016 and founded by Vishesh Dora and Vivek Nani, Aadvo acts as an advocate’s online office by fulfilling all needs from communication to maintaining files and, tracking billing actions and receivables. The platform works on an algorithm basis which connects clients to the most suitable lawyer according to their needs. “Aadvo lets lawyer-client relationship be effective, efficient and transparent through a shared space between the two,” says Vishesh Dora, co-founder. The growth According to Dora, “The legal industry seems clean but is disorganised for an outsider. The real growth will be when we can provide people with more references…3 min
India Today|January 16, 2017Learning in the Digital AgeSimplilearn It is where you will find quality online courses and free learning resources such as articles, webinars, and ebooks—all catered to your personal career needs. The online education provider of professional training is based in San Francisco, California, US, and Bangalore, India, and offers over 400 courses in the area of IT, programming, digital marketing, and project management. USP Simplilearn’s well-structured training modules and skilled instructors simplify your certification journey by forcing you to think beyond the conventional concepts for efficient functioning networks. PythaGurus One of the leading MBA admissions consulting and GMAT preparation firms, PythaGurus was established in India by a team of 10 B-school graduates and seasoned training and test preparation professionals. Through unmatched practical counselling, PythaGurus has today become a reckoning force in the higher education…2 min
India Today|January 16, 2017PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCEInterior of a Temple, circa 1965 by Bhupen Khakhar The world’s leading art house Christie’s witnessed its fourth successive India sale with works of classical, modern and contemporary art from India sold for more than `72.16 crore. Forty-one works from the private collection of Abhishek and Radhika Poddar led the sale, selling for `29.06 crore. Meera Mukherjee and Hemendranath Mazumdar’s works had record breaking numbers. Held at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai, the top two lots in the modern and contemporary section were both untitled works by V.S. Gaitonde, the highest lot selling for more than `15 crores and the second, from the Poddar Collection, selling for more `11 crore. Three lots in the sale were sold for more `10 crore. In the classical section, the top lot of…1 min
India Today|January 16, 2017JEWELLERYANNIVERSARY SPECIAL If the traditional jhumki has seamlessly transformed into the more approachable chandelier earrings known in the west, this pair of three-dimensional earrings from the House of Rose are a fine example. The combination of blue topaz briolettes, diamonds and rubies set in white gold is a wonderful addition to their Colours of Life collection to commemorate 35 years of the brand. Price On Request Availability Preview on request at The Rose Salon, Mumbai, and DLF Emporio, New Delhi PINK HAZE Delicate, yet playful, is the best possible description for this delightful diamond necklace in pink gold from Forevermark. This collection presents winning cocktail pieces for the wedding season. What’s more, this particular neck piece has a detachable variation that makes it versatile too. Price `7.35 lakh Availability Authorised…1 min
India Today|January 16, 2017PERFORMANCE ARTAll around Hrithik Roshan’s sea-facing home in Juhu are framed inspirational quotes, all coined by him. “Find beauty in everything”, “Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure”, “You never fail until you stop trying”. One relies on them more especially if one is employed in the movie world—an artistic medium driven by commercial diktats. “I put them up so they can catch me off guard and trigger something when I probably need it,” says Roshan. “Sometimes I’m thinking shall I or shall I not? And then I will read ‘If you are looking for a sign, this is it.’ The idea is to stop being superstitious, and look at things and decide now.” Roshan, who has been in the industry for 17 years now and whose affiliation…7 min
India Today|January 16, 2017SONNETS IN STONEMuch like the Hindu gods who manifest in multiple avatars and reincarnations, the 60 pieces of granite thought to be rubble by local Madurai authorities back in 1912, had a rebirth of sorts when American Adeline Pepper Gibson purchased these magnificent carved portions that belonged to the Madurai temple complex of 1560. As the story goes, Gibson shipped these massive stone sections to the United States where a costume pageant, with over 100 Philadelphians and an orchestra, welcomed “the gods of India to the shores of America.” They found a home at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It has taken years of dedicated research, site visits to South India, and meticulous reconstruction by Darielle Mason, the Stella Kramrisch curator of South Asian Art, to identify these as part of the…4 min
India Today|January 16, 2017Culture is the Driving Force that ConnectsUnless you live under a rock or hibernate during the winters, chances are, you would have heard about the two biggest events of the Indian art calendar, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale and the India Art Fair. Luxury car maker BMW is a collaborator on both projects. Acting president of BMW India, Frank Schloeder, explains why corporate patronage of the arts is a growing trend. Why has big business become so culture conscious? At BMW we believe that culture moves people. It is the driving force that connects and inspires. For more than 40 years now, BMW has initiated and engaged in over 100 cultural cooperations worldwide. The company places the main focus of its long-term commitment on modern and contemporary art, jazz and classical music as well as architecture and design.…4 min
India Today|January 16, 2017Where art thouArt comes with many realisations, dreams and imaginations. Fashion shares the emotion that art builds in many ways and the two often merge. Delhi-based Manjunath Kamath’s art is larger than life with a love for primary colours and striking shapes. The empty space is insightful and the use of motifs symbolising nature, weaves a different narrative each time, summoning reality and fantasy to the same room. Delhi-based Puneet Kaushik’s art installation is a tale of mixed mediums. His work represents organic in the context of crafts, materials, textiles and structures. His use of wool, jute fibre, cotton, crocheted steel, cotton wicks with latex and paper dipped in latex gives sculpting a fresh perspective. Based in London, Sir Peter Cook’s art incorporates his architectural subjects and his love for detail. Minimal…2 min
India Today|January 16, 2017THE COLOURS OF LOVEClichés about diamonds are about as old as the stones themselves, more so in the context of engagement rings. But with avant garde being the new trend, turn tradition on its head by sporting colour on your engagement ring instead of your flawless best friend. Fabergé already offers an inspired collection in case you are out of ideas. Emeralds, rubies and sapphires—the colourful trinity—unseat diamonds in Fabergé’s engagement collection. This colourful renaissance pays homage to Fabergé’s illustrious history by incorporating the venerated gold-fluting technique, a quintessential Fabergé effect that provides a highly distinctive yet contemporary flourish. Keeping in step with its tradition of delight, surprise and discovery, the brand’s engagement and wedding rings conceal, on the inside of each band, an additional gem of matching colour that remains in direct…1 min
India Today|January 16, 2017THE ROAD TO FITNESSA STRETCH IN TIME REFORM’S PHYSIOTHERAPY AND PILATES A BOUT TWO YEARS AGO, 33-YEAR-OLD Chandana Mannedi’s, work as a physiotherapist saw her taking things a step forward by training her patients in pilates as a post-treatment workout. But her classes have been getting popular ever since and are open to anyone looking for a good pilates workout. She calls it a practice that enables body awareness and is a blend of strength and flexibility. “We don’t work up a sweat here with the goal of bigger biceps and chiseled abs. What we work on, instead, are the deep abdominal muscles behind the six packs,” she quips. So no big weights to lift here, since you work with your own body weight and props. Tone your thighs with the Pilates ring…6 min
India Today|January 16, 20175 THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TOSTORE REVIEW NUTTY SIDE A mouth freshner flavoured with betel leaves is rather common but have you had one made with neem leaves? This and more such surprises make up the special treats at Neutrixx. This recently launched dry fruit store by Radhika Talwar, director at automotive enterprise Talwar Group, is where you can pick everything from dried kiwis to macadamia nuts, almonds in several varieties and interesting churans from Kolkata, besides a whole lot more. The best part is that these are available at affordable prices with the corporate packages starting as low as Rs 300. “The idea was to make dry fruits a daily heath food rather than just a luxury gifting option,” says Talwar, who is all set to open a second outlet soon. AT Inorbit Mall,…2 min
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