An evaluation of the countries that voted in ‘favour’ or ‘against’ or ‘abstained’ or even refused to show up (for example, Ukraine) reflects the politics, compulsions and vulnerabilities that were at play against the bluster and intimidation of President Donald Trump’s controversial move to declare Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. While an overwhelming 128 countries voted in favour of the motion condemning the brazen US move, 9 voted against the motion and 35 abstained from the vote-count. The draft resolution against the US decision had appealed for ‘reversal of the negative trends on the grounds that are imperiling the two-State solution’, and expressing ‘deep regret at recent decisions concerning the status of Jerusalem’. It had finally demanded, ‘that all States comply with Security Council resolutions regarding the Holy City of Jerusalem, and not to recognize any actions or measures contrary to those resolutions’. Predictably, the draft resolution was vetoed by the US 14-1-0 to scuttle further embarrassment for President Trump.

The run-up to the vote-count had led to unprecedented threats, with the US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, openly warning and alluding to economic retribution ~ “Let them vote against us, we’ll save a lot. We don’t care. But this isn’t like it used to be where they could vote against you and then you pay them hundreds of millions of dollars and nobody knows what they’re doing”. He even somewhat incredously vowed to “take names”. Thus the seven other nations besides the US and Israel, which rejected the draft proposal, included Guatemala, Honduras, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau and Togo. A careful look into the affairs of these nations would suggest that they survive on US assistance. Micronesia is bound by a Compact of Free Association with the US, which ensures ‘substantial financial support’ and in return Micronesia is the only country that had a 100 per cent matching voting pattern to the US in the Security Council. Similarly, in 2009 the Palauan Prime Minister had famously explained its voting pattern in the UNSC by stating, “We have a very strong relationship with the United States and we don’t want to jeopardise that relationship, because it would affect Palau’s economic welfare”.

Clearly economic coercion works in the high table of international diplomacy, where technically the vote of a country like Tuvalu (which ‘abstained’) with a stated population of 10,640 (2012 census) would be equal to the vote of India, with a 1.3 billion population.

The ambiguity of ‘abstain’ votes is suggestive of the compulsions of compromise that override the assertion of long-held positions and the basic instincts of nations. While Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Haiti may have had economic considerations that were perhaps additionally tempered with a principled stand, South Sudan too would have considered the fact that the US funds account for more than the next top-four donors, combined.

Even Canada, known for its progressive, liberal and ‘inclusive’ politics, decided to ‘abstain’, whispers gathered momentum of the ‘work-in-progress’ status of the crucial and impending ‘North American Free Trade Agreement’ which could have lulled both Canada and Mexico to get bullied into taking the middle path. Other major countries such as Australia, Argentina, Philippines and Colombia were part of the 35 ‘abstains’, maintaining their own nebulous logic that ultimately intended to avoid a backlash from the US.

Delegations from 21 nations simply refused to show up, unlike the deliberate ‘abstain’ vote. However, the politics of reasoning and domestic factors ensured that the majority-bloc of 128 countries that included the EU countries, India, Russia, China, Japan and the entire Islamic bloc stood-up to President Trump’s threat of dire consequences. Ironically, this draft resolution was initiated by Egypt, the second biggest recipient of US aid (after Israel). The decision to support the cause of Palestine may be a principle of morality, historically-consistent and a logical step in the context of countries like India. However, for the major recipients of US aid, notably Iraq, Afghanistan, Jordan and Egypt it was beyond the carrot of aid. It pertains to regime-survival given the emotive value of Palestine amongst its populace. Furious diplomacy is absolutely no substitute for survival instincts, and that is exactly what the voting pattern conveyed. Beyond the abrasive US diplomacy, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s personal networking and strategic engagements, the support of India, China and Russia also came a cropper. India had voted in favour of 15 of the previous Palestine-related resolutions in the 72nd UN General Assembly session and the 16th concerning America’s controversial move over Jerusalem, was no different.

Voting patterns in the Security Council can also reflect dynamic opportunism (realpolitik) towards the evolving geopolitics. The crucial veto vote by China against declaring the Pakistan-based terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, is symptomatic of the tactical power-play and diplomatic muscle-flexing by Beijing against India, its regional adversary.

The first time ever that Beijing had cast a negative vote was in 1972, concerning the admission of Bangladesh as a UN member.

Similarly Russia (along with China) has vetoed seven draft resolutions against Syria in recent times, which could have led to punitive action against the Russia-supported-Assad regime. The subtle-nuances of varying sovereign positions come alive in the gap between the text that is initially proposed, versus the finally included text in the draft resolution. For example, Pyongyang’s allies ~ China and Russia ~ had insisted on watering down the initial severity in the draft resolution against North Korea, before supporting the resolution.

The Security Council is becoming increasingly irrelevant with the unauthorized military strikes in Iraq, annexation of Crimea, Saudi strikes in Yemen and with Nikki Haley calling the recent draft resolution “an insult”, adding that, “the United States will not be told by any country where we can put our embassy.” It is now a platform of both, reiterating the hallowed sovereign positions and morality, as indeed of subservience, intimidation and realpolitik. Today, the literal voting patterns expose and hide the reality and evolving dynamics, in equal measure.

The writer IS Lt Gen PVSM, AVSM (Retd), Former Lt Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands & Puducherry.

Having made a public appearance in Delhi on Thursday, it might now be less than accurate to describe Bimal Gurung as an absconder. Yet there is no denying that the West Bengal government is on firm ground when it contends, in parallel with the former GJMM chief’s appearance in the Capital, that he is a ‘fugitive’ who is “on the run from the law” after the spate of arson and violence that had convulsed Darjeeling and Kalimpong last year.

Second, he has consistently refused to pay heed to the summons issued by the court ~ a clear case of disrespect for the law. The sudden appearance scarcely lessens the gravity of the charges against the man. That said, what may yet be of critical import is his expressed willingness to negotiate with the State as an essay towards defusing the festering crisis in the Hills. He appears to have realised eventually that he must take the government into confidence, though after the recent recast of the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha, he las lost his locus standi.

In the immediate perspective, he hasn’t been able to convince the government with his claim that he isn’t a separatist and that the prime objective of his struggle was to ensure “Gorkha identity”. His praxis, almost literally playing with fire, has been radically different though for the first time he has agreed to talk without any pre-condition. No one denies that Gurung has emitted a refashioned signal of intent, but given his record, it shall not be easy for him to shore up his credibility. To that extent, the change of stance on the part of an agent provocateur can only have limited significance. Yet it ought to be conceded that his latest offer is a departure from his earlier insistence that the Centre must initiate tripartite talks on Gorkhaland ~ an expression that he did not utter even once this time around after emerging from the “underground”.
Gurung must be acutely aware that his faction within the GJMM has been considerably weakened over the past few months. His rivals, notably Binay Tamang and Anit Thapa, are now in the vanguard following the change at the helm and tightened their grip on the outfit.

No less crucially, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) ~ a loose arrangement of governance short of statehood ~ has resumed functioning. Gurung had reduced the entity to virtual irrelevance. In point of fact, he is today on a weak wicket and the softening of stance is bound to be greeted with more than the usual pinch of salt.

The judiciary, the Supreme Court in particular, had long enjoyed the reputation of being the only national institution that had resisted the rot in public life. Now it too may be tottering. The virtual revolt against the Chief Justice of India by four of the most senior judges ~ including the man widely tipped to be elevated as the next top judicial officer if convention is followed ~ would have triggered a tsunami of dismay had it been limited to administrative affairs. Truly devastating is the suggestion that the administration of justice is impacted by the manner in which work is allocated.

What was said at Friday’s epochal press conference and written by the judges to the Chief Justice some weeks ago reveals the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Four of the five most senior judges of the country have said there is rot within the system, in a sense confirmed what had been alleged in the past by a former Law minister and several others. Their views deserve consideration, if only because they more than anyone else would have been aware of the import of their unprecedented action which if undertaken by anyone other than them would have invited a charge of contempt. They have staked the prestige of the Apex court and their own professional reputations as jurists of the highest order. It must therefore be accepted, without attributing any motives to them, that the provocation must have been grave.

But while there appears to be reason to sympathise with the dissenters led by Justice J Chelameshwar, they would have enhanced their “case” of upholding judicial independence and propriety had they been specific and spelt out charges that CJI Dipak Mishra would be required to answer. Having taken the unprecedented step of calling a press conference and releasing their missive to the CJI, the judges ought to have gone the distance ~ for surely they would have realised the damage done by their limited action that hinted at but did not reveal the workings of the court’s administration which caused them such dismay. At the same time, it must be appreciated that the substance of their complaint assails not just the Chief Justice, but other judges of the apex Court, indeed the institution itself.

To preserve reputations of their brother judges too, the four should have opted for full disclosure. Addressing the malaise superficially, or limiting it to a confrontation between the CJI and his four brother judges, will not provide a solution. A clean-up calls for the surgery of utter transparency and not a damning by innuendo. This is a moment for catharsis and it devolves on all judges of the apex Court to put their heads together to restore the credibility of the judiciary. Senior members of the Bar must assist this endeavour without regard to their political affiliations.

Comparing the current crisis with what had shaken the court during the infamous Emergency is inaccurate ~ then the assault had been government-initiated, this time around it appears largely self-inflicted. Is there a way out? Surely there must be if the sagacity and sobriety that are believed to mark the conduct of the apex court come to the fore. At stake is justice as democratic India knows it, indeed at stake is democracy itself.

The Gujarat Government is heading for a confrontation with the farmers over the issue of stopping supply of Narmada water to the parched fields. The Gujarat government on Friday had “appealed” to the farmers to “skip” sowing during the summer season due to non-availability of Narmada water to the fields.

Reduced availability of water in the Sardar Sarovar Dam due to scanty rainfall in its catchment area in Madhya Pradesh has been cited as the reason for cut in the water supplies for the agricultural fields. The farming community is up in the arms, as the water cut would affect their summer sowing which begins around March.

Gujarat Khedut Samaj, an apolitical farmers’ organisation, has threatened to seek legal recourse against the stoppage of Narmada water for irrigation of the fields, as they alleged that the water meant for fields would be diverted to the industries during the summer season. The decision to stop Narmada water would adversely affect thousands of farmers in north and central Gujarat, Gujarat Khedut Samaj secretary Sagar Rabari said.

He said that the organisation feels that the move to cut Narmada water for farmers is a kind of revenge by the government as the ruling BJP has suffered heavy electoral losses in rural areas during the recent assembly elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had dedicated the Narmada dam to the nation on 27 July last year when its water had overflowed, Mr Rabari reminded reporters asking “where has all the water gone?”

The Lingayats are more determined than ever now to have themselves declared as a separate minority sect and to move away from the Veerashaiva section within their community. Accordingly, they are ready to set up their own Vishwa Lingayat Parishat, a parallel body to the already existing All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha, the powerful body of the Veerashaivas.

According to Mr S M Jamdar, former bureaucrat and Lingayat scholar, the Lingayat community had tried its best to work with the Veerahshaiva Mahasabha so that a castless society could emerge within the community. Having failed to reach a common ground, “We have decided to set up a separate institution which will reflect the aspirations of the Lingayats.”

He said that the VLP would be launched on 23 January and would have the portrait of their founder,the 12th century social reformer Basavanna , on the logo. The draft of the bylaws was ready and would be finalised after consultations with religious heads concerned.

The former bureaucrat said that subsequently, enrolment to the new body would start both at the district and taluk levels. Lingayat community members from Telengana, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra had already been consulted on the issue with the VLP giving emphasis on even having a youth sena.Responding to queries that the expert committee, set up by the government to go into the demands of the Lingayat community for a separate religion tag which would get them the minority status , he said the formation of the VLP could not be linked to it. Even if the panel took more than six months to present its report,it would not impact the formation of the Vishwa Lingayat Parishat.

The Lingayats and Veerashaivas, both part of the larger Lingayat community account for 19 per cent of the state’s popuation and have been known to support the BJP under its state unit president, Mr B S Yeddyurappa, a Lingayat himself.

The Siddaramiah government has been seeking to divide the community by encouraging some among the section to seek a separate religion tag. Predictably, it has had the desired impact and the Lingayats are embroiled in a major controversy over the issue the outcome of which could have a major impact on the forthcoming assembly elections.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a solemn ceremony at which the iconic war memorial at a roundabout near Teen Murti Bhavan in Delhi was renamed Teen Murti-Haifa Chowk to pay homage to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the battle of Haifa in Israel during World War I.

The two leaders drove to the Teen Murti Chowk straight from the airport shortly after Netanyahu’s arrival in India on his six-day visit. Present at the memorial to receive the two leaders were Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, among others. The two leaders laid a wreath and signed the visitor’s book at the memorial. The Israeli PM’s wife, Sara, also was there at the ceremony.

Modi later tweeted that he and Netanyahu “paid tributes to the brave Indian soldiers who fought at Haifa” and “laid down their lives during the liberation of the city,” the third largest in Israel.

“The spot where we commemorate their sacrifice will now be called Teen Murti-Haifa Chowk,” he wrote. “This year we mark 100 years of the end of the World War 1. We remember with pride, the Indian soldiers who fought valiantly in the war,” he said.

The war memorial ~ originally called the Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade Memorial ~ was unveiled in March 1924 in honour of cavalry troopers of princely states in British India.

The three stone and bronze statues represent the Hyderabad, Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers who were part of the 15 Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade who fought for the liberation of Haifa from German and Ottoman (Turkish) soldiers in September 1918.

Netanyahu calls India a world power: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Sunday traded tweets lauding the growing relationship between their two countries even as the Jewish leader called India a world power.

The two leaders are known for actively communicating and maintaining a dialogue with international leaders on twitter.

Shortly after greeting the Israeli PM at the airport, Modi tweeted in Hebrew: “Welcome to India, my friend Prime Minister Netanyahu. Your visit to India is historic and special. This will strengthen the close ties between our countries.’’

Netanyahu was quick to respond in a tweet of his own in which he re-tweeted Modi’s Hebrew greeting and added, “Thank you to my good friend, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who surprised me with a personal welcome at the airport upon my arrival in India. Together, we will bring the relations between our countries to new heights.’’

In another tweet, the Israeli leader said: “My first visit to India, a world power that is strengthening its relations with Israel. I am excited about this historic week that will further strengthen Israel’s international standing.”

Modi and Netanyahu have established a remarkable chemistry between them and this was evident from the manner in which they hugged each other at the airport. Modi will devote a good part of the next four days with Netanyahu, which is quite rare for any leader visiting India.

Liverpool edged Premier League leaders Manchester City 4-3 in a breathtaking Premier League clash at Anfield on Sunday night to snap the Sky Blues’ unbeaten start to the season in a tie which was irresistible from kick-off.

Bereft of the recently-departed Philippe Coutinho (moved to Barcelona on a €160 million transfer) and the injured Virgil van Dijk, Jurgen Klopp knew he was up against it but credit must be given to the gregarious German as his side outplayed the visitors for the most part.

Must read: Arsene Wenger admits Alexis Sanzhez could leave Arsenal by Tuesday

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain proved he had put all the early-season criticism behind him with a fine solo goal, gliding past Fernandinho with ease before beating Ederson with a low, powerful finish to give Liverpool the lead in the 9th minute.

Manchester City, who were threatening to emulate Arsenal’s famed ‘Invincibles’ side, were clearly rattled and struggled to dominate possession, as has been their wont so often this season.

Kevin De Bruyne continued to pull the strings in midfield but his crosses were inches away from getting converted into goals by teammates and as half-time neared, it seemed Liverpool would start the second-half with a slender lead.

Don’t miss: Bournemouth register first-ever win over Arsenal

Their soft underbelly, however, was exposed not for the first time on the night as Leroy Sane beat Joe Gomez on the wing with consummate ease before skipping past Joel Matip and firing in a fierce shot at Loris Karius’ near-post. The German custodian, included in the starting XI ahead of Simon Mignolet somewhat surprisingly, got a weak hand to it and as a result was unable to prevent the ball from nestling in the back of the net four minutes before the interval.

Sane’s equaliser had given City the impetus but the Sky Blues were uncharacteristically profligate, with star striker Sergio Aguero and central defender Nicolas Otamendi coming close to taking the lead.

Liverpool would make the visitors pay for their wastefulness, as Roberto Firmino shrugged off John Stones and deftly chipped Ederson on the hour-mark before Sadio Mane would extend Liverpool’s lead with a veritable rocket of a shot in the 62nd minute.

The twin strikes had turned the tide in the hosts’ favour and with City winger Raheem Sterling having a rare off-day against his former employers Anfield was roaring with delight and urged their side to find another goal which would put the game beyond doubt.

And Mohamed Salah, the club’s top scorer this season, would be the man to register their fourth on the night in the 68th minute with a long-range dink over Ederson after the Brazilian had made a hurried clearance which fell to the Egyptian winger.

Also read: Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United confirmed?

Substitute Bernardo Silva would reduce the deficit after some good work from Ilkay Gundogan six minutes from time before the German would score a fine goal in the first minute of injury time to ensure a nervy finish but Liverpool managed to hold on for a remarkable win.

Liverpool have enjoyed a resurgence in recent weeks and this result was the perfect riposte to those doubting the club’s ambitions for the Reds seem primed to challenge Manchester United for second spot at least.

The fact that they have leapfrogged Chelsea into third place is a massive bonus as well but the fact that City’s search for a win at Anfield continued past Sunday was the main headline. The Merseysiders next travel to Swansea on January 22 and will be brimming with self-belief ahead of their tie at the Liberty Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s men are not in real danger, due to their stupendous form prior to Sunday and the Sky Blues remain heavy favourites to clinch the league title. They will have to pick up the pieces and aim to get back to winning ways when they host Newcastle United on Saturday in their next game.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra today met a seven-member delegation of the Bar Council of India (BCI) and assured it that the crisis following the virtual revolt by four of the most senior Supreme Court judges against him would be sorted out soon.

The BCI delegation held meetings with Chief Justice of India and other senior Supreme Court Judges to find a solution to the crisis created after the judges held a press conference two days back in which they raised sensitive issues like the assignment of important cases among the judges.

After a 50-minute meeting with Justice Misra, BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra told reporters that the meeting took place in a congenial atmosphere and Justice Misra assured them that everything would be sorted out soon.

During the meetings with them, the four judges had also assured the BCI team that “there will be no problem at all”, Mr Mishra said. He however said the Bar Council’s role was “very limited.”
The Bar Council delegation met Justice J. Chelameswar, the most senior judge after the CJI, who along with Justices Ranjan Gogoi, M B Lokur and Kurian Joseph, had addressed the press conference, leading to an unprecedented situation in the top judiciary.

As the Supreme Court fraternity struggled to solve the crisis “within the family,” the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Vikas Singh too called on Chief Justice Misra and handed over to him a resolution adopted by the SCBA.

Two other judges of the apex court ~ Justices S A Bobde and L Nageswara ~ were also learnt to have met Justice J Chelameswar at his official residence.

A Bar Council of India team met Supreme Court judge Arun Mishra also and discussed the crisis. Justice Arun Mishra was assigned by the CJI a PIL relating to the death of special CBI judge B H Loya, who was hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case.

At their press conference, the four senior Supreme Court judges raised questions on “selective” case allocation and certain judicial orders, sending shockwaves across the judiciary and polity.

BCI chairman Manan Mishra had said such matters should not be made public as the judiciary is an important pillar of the Constitution and people have unflinching faith in the judicial system.

The SCBA had yesterday expressed “grave concern” over the differences of the four senior judges with the CJI and had said the issue should be immediately considered by the full court of the apex court.

The long awaited day of Bigg Boss 11 finale is here. 14 January, was the last day of the 11^th season of the reality show. As the audience jumps with joy, Salman declared Shilpa Shinde as the winner of Bigg Boss 11. The show hosted by Salman Khan was as controversial as the previous seasons. Contestants were as interesting as the former participants of the Bigg Boss series. Towards the end of the show Hina Khan, Shilpa Shinde, Vikas Gupta and Puneesh Sharma became the four finalists.

Swag se Swagat kijiye top 4 finalists aur @BeingSalmanKhan ka on the #BB11Finale. pic.x.com/KM7iQ9nfmQ

— COLORS (@ColorsTV) January 14, 2018

The show began with Salman Khan performing with the contestants on his song ‘Swag se swagat.’ Arshi Khan, Bandagi Kalra, Luv Tyagi , Hiten Tejwani and Priyank Sharma also performed at the finale. The power couple, Puneesh and Bandagi presented a performance on Tip Tip Barsa Paani.

Lovebirds Puneesh Sharma and @BandgiK give a sizzling performance on ‘Tip Tip Barsa Paani’. Don’t miss their chemistry only on the #BB11Finale. pic.x.com/vgw5A9FqKs

— COLORS (@ColorsTV) January 14, 2018

Puneesh eventually gets out the race and Hina, shilpa and Vikas continued as finalists. Vikas Gupta, the strategist was declared third runner up and the tug-o-war remained between Hina and Shilpa.

.@BeingSalmanKhan has a fun activity planned with @akshaykumar. Keep watching the #BB11Finale to catch all the masti. pic.x.com/j8WaYbpaAX

— COLORS (@ColorsTV) January 14, 2018

Thereafter, superstar Akshay Kumar and Sonam Kapoor who were guest on the show declared Shilpa Shinde the winner of the season and handed over the trophy. Though there is not much to be surprised as social media had already predicted that and were rooting for Shilpa.

Finale of the show wasn’t even started but the anticipation for the winner did. As the show ends on a happy note contestants congratulate the winner and Salman Khan wraps up the show.

Arsenal fans’ misery was compounded on Sunday as not only did the Gunners lose 2-1 to relegation-threatened Bournemouth, but Gunners boss Arsene Wenger admitted that wantaway winger Alexis Sanchez could depart the club within the next 48 hours.

“Alexis (Sanchez) would have played, but it’s a difficult period for him. He has always been committed until now, but he could have moved yesterday, today or not at all. It will be decided in the next 48 hours, it was a bit different for him because he was on standby a little bit, that’s why I decided not to do it. He did not refuse to play,” Wenger stated at his post-match press conference.

Must read: Bournemouth register first-ever win over Arsenal

The moment Wenger decided to leave the Chilean out of his matchday squad, rumour mills went into overdrive and it seems for once, there it has not been only smoke for a move to Manchester United seems imminent.

Wenger was asked whether he felt Sanchez could depart or perhaps complete a remkarble u-turn and stay, to which the French tactician responded: “I don’t master the rhythm of that, but it could happen today or tomorrow, or not at all, that’s why I didn’t take a decision. I didn’t want to travel with him and suddenly he goes somewhere”.

Don’t miss: Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United confirmed?

Manchester City lodged a bid for the 29-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, but United made a late move and have emerged as the leading candidates to sign Arsenal’s No.7 with little over a fortnight remaining in the winter transfer window.

Jose Mourinho’s men have bettered the wages offered by their derby rivals and have assured Sanchez that he will be a confirmed starter at Old Trafford, which has scuppered any hopes Pep Guardiola had of retuning with the man he signed at Barcelona.

Also read: Lineups for Liverpool vs Manchester City revealed

If Sanchez signs by Tuesday, he could make his Red Devils debut in time for Saturday’s visit to Burnley.

Arsenal’s miserable start to 2018 has shown no signs of letting up, for the Gunners have been suffered the ignominy of an FA Cup upset at the hands of Nottingham Forest before seeing their hopes of finishing in the top-four of the Premier League slip away with their loss at the Vitality Stadium. And the fact that Mesut Ozil could follow Sanchez out the door is not lost on the Gunners faithful, for whom there seems to be no light at the end of a long tunnel.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Sunday said the Himachal Pradesh government is making efforts to restore ‘Ghats’ at the sulphur springs at Tattapani in Mandi district.

Addressing a public meeting at Tattapani, Thakur said the government is committed to promote religious tourism at Tattapani and to restore its lost glory.

“The matter regarding restoration of springs and ‘Bathing Ghats ’would soon be taken up both with National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL),” he said, adding instructions to prepare the detailed report of the project and undertake the restoration work has been issued.

He said that religious places as Mahu Nag, Kamru Nag, Shikari Devi, Rewalsar would be developed from religious point of view to promote tourism and the matter would be raised with Union government.
Recollecting old memories, he said that he used to come for a holy dip way back when the sulphur springs were just adjacent to the banks of the river Sutlej and this festival was of great importance to the people of Tattapani and adjoining areas.

There is a lot of scope for religious and adventure tourism in the state and every measure will be taken to restore the lost glory of Tattapani, he said.

He lashed at the previous Congress government for pushing the sgtate into debt trap and said despite the financial assistance from the Centre, the development was nil.

“Just before the polls, 40 to 50 inaugurations and foundations stones were laid by the former Chief Minister and other Congress leaders almost every-day,” he said.

There was complete law and order failure during Congress regime but after coming into power, the BJP government has started a helpline for women to protect them from atrocities.

A special cell will be created in all three Police ranges and the report of crime against women if any, is to be submitted to Chief Minister’s office within 48 hours, Thakur said.

In a case which reminds the Nirbhaya case in 2012, the Haryana police has recovered the mutilated body of a minor girl from Jind district on Friday.

Sources in the police department said, the girl’s private parts were completely mutilated and her liver was ruptured at a canal Budhakhera village near Safidon town on Friday night. Police have identified the child as a resident of Kurukshetra’s Jhansa village.

She has been missing since 9 January, when she left her home to attend tuition classes.

The child’s body has been sent to Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS), Rohtak, for autopsy.

The police are now looking for suspects, but are still unsure if the crime occurred in Jind. Meanwhile, the Jind police have constituted two special investigation teams (SIT) under two Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP) rank officers to probe the incident.

The incident took barely a month after the barbaric rape and murder of a six-year-old girl in Hisar, whose private parts were mutilated by inserting a wooden stick.

The reports suggested that the 6-year old girl was abducted from her house while she was sleeping.

The abductors then brutally raped and murdered her before dumping her in a nearby roadside.

The doctors who conducted the postmortem said the accused had inserted a wooden stick into the girl’s private parts, which ruptured her intestine, leaving her dead.

Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Sunday questioned the Chandigarh police’s role in registering a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the ‘bribery audio clip’ released by leaders of Lok Insaaf Party (LIP). Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, Khaira even threatened to move to the Punjab and Haryana High Court if fails to render justice. Khaira said, he had made a specific statement 11 December, 2017 to Superintendent of Police (SP) Ravi Kumar wherein he had categorically listed the chain of events that led to the dismissal of his petition the high court.

Khaira said four senior most judges of the Supreme Court (SC) had come out publically to expose malfunctioning in the administration of SC and have held the Chief Justice of India (CJI) responsible for it. He said,
it is all the more imperative that the Chandigarh police should probe the bribery audio clip after registering a FIR. Khaira said he has learnt that the Chandigarh police had recorded the statement of tout and go between former deputy advocate general Amit Chaudhary, wherein he has admitted that the voice in the 5.22 minutes audio clip was very much his. Khaira alongwith Bains brother, Balwinder Singh Bains and Simarjit Singh Bains, said.

We have learnt that Chandigarh police had summoned former Punjab Civil Service (PCS) officer TK Goel, the person who recorded the conversation, but let him off on the ground that he will first meet the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court. However, He later handed over the original audio clip to the police, said Khaira.

Khaira and Bains brothers said the Chandigarh police should first register a FIR and then proceed against the culprits, as they would be empowered with summoning and if need be arresting the accused.
They alleged there is very deep chain leading to the audio clip as one Rana Hardeep Singh, Who is the nephew of Power Minister Rana Gurjeet Singh and the Minister himself are deeply involved in the conspiracy.
Khaira said he has listed the names of all persons involved in the conspiracy against him.

Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal on Sunday announced several projects for the development of Muktsar, including construction of Railway Over Bridge (ROB) on the Jalalabad road, upgradation of the stadium and the Panjab University (PU) regional centre.

The FM made the announcements at a press conference after paying tributes, on behalf of Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, at the Maghi Shaheedi Jor Mela. On the issue of the Akali decision to hold political conference at the Mela, Manpreet said religious functions should be free from politics.

The Congress had strictly followed the directive of the Akal Takht by not holding any such conference at Fatehgarh Sahib, and now at Muktsar, and all other parties should also do the same instead of trying to take political mileage through such programmes, he added.

Taking congisance of the lack of development in the region, Manpreet said that funds for work of ROB on Jalalabad road, which was pending since its inauguration by the former deputy CM some years ago, would be released soon. He said,the government would also soon release funds for repair of the stadium. He pointed out that the Muke-e-Minar and the four Yadgari gates were built by Amarinder Singh’s previous government. On the upgradation of the PU regional centre at Muktsar, he said the state government had sought a report from PU Chandigarh regarding its fiscal deficit and the state would make provisions for the same in the budget.

The state government would also provide funds for the purchase of land for development of a park and a solid waste dump in Muktsar, said the Minister, making it clear that development works would not be stalled due to paucity of funds. He said the people of Punjab had shown their confidence in the Congress, which was trying its best to fulfill their expectations. He also said that 428 points in the poll manifesto, the government had implemented 125 in the first go.

The previous government had left the treasury empty but the Congress government still managed to initiate farm debt waiver and implemented its promise of power to industry at Rs 5 per unit.
Citing the record production of cotton and paddy, Manpreet said this had led to Rs 15,000 Crore additional financial infusions in the state economy.

He referred to the Rs 31,000 Crore food credit amount taken by the Akalis, who even got loans against future income of Mandi Board and Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB) to fill their own coffers. The FM said, the Congress government was doing its best to bring the state’s economy back on track. He added that from the fourth budget onwards the state government would become revenue-surplus.

A remarkable second-half comeback from relegation-threatened Bournemouth on Sunday saw the Cherries edge Arsenal 2-1 to register their first-ever victory over the North Londoners in a game that was fraught with controversy before it even started.

Alexis Sanchez’s omission from the matchday squad had sparked rumours of an impending move to Manchester United and Arsene Wenger admitted as much in his pre-match press conference as the Chilean winger inched toward the end of a six-month-long saga.

Must read: Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United confirmed?

On the pitch, however, the Gunners could not lift the gloom that has surrounded the club in recent weeks, despite Hector Bellerin’s cross-shot somewhat fortuitously giving the visitors a lead in the 52nd minute.

Last time the sides met at the Vitality Stadium, they had exchanged six goals in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Arsenal roaring back to claim a valuable point but this time the Cherries managed to score a quick-fire double to ease the pressure on beleaguered manager Eddie Howe.

Callum Wilson nicked in ahead of Petr Cech to score the equaliser in the 70th minute and four minutes later the stirker turned provider to set up Jordon Ibe for the winner. The former Liverpool winger sent in a fierce first-time shot that went under Cech to get the home crowd roaring.

Don’t miss: Lineups for Liverpool vs Manchester City revealed

Arsene Wenger, bereft of the services of Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, threw on Aaron Ramsey in a bid to find an equaliser but with Alexandre Lacazette continuing to misfire, the Gunners struggled to really test Asmir Begovic in the Bournemouth in goal and the hosts held on for a win that saw them shoot to 13th from 17th in the league table.

Arsenal’s title hopes had effectively been over in 2017 but their latest loss seems to have sounded the death knell for their top-four hopes as the sixth-placed Gunners trail fourth-ranked Liverpool by five points.

Also read: Lineups for Bournemouth vs Arsenal revealed

The Reds host Manchester City later on Sunday and could extend the gap between themselves and Wenger’s men if they were to beat the runaway leaders.

With Mesut Ozil hesitant to sign a new contract and Sanchez on the verge of moving to arch-rivals Manchester United, the Gunners faithful best be braced for a tough January.

Liverpool host runaway leaders Manchester City in a titanic Premier League clash on Sunday at Anfield and the lineups have been revealed by their respective managers.

Jurgen Klopp has been forced to exclude £75 million-signing Virgl van Dijk from his lineup as the Duthcman has a tight hamstring but the German tactician’s decision to start Loris Karius in place of Simon Mignolet has perplexed many.

Must read: Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United confirmed?

Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson flank the central defensive pairing of Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren while Emre Can, Georginio Wijnaldum and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain start in a three-man midfield.

Liverpool’s 4-3-3 is completed by the trio of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.

Pep Guardiola has opted to restore Sergio Aguero to the tip of their 4-3-3 system as the Argentine is flanked by Leroy Sane and former Liverpool man Raheem Sterling.

Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho feature in the middle of the park while Fabian Delph, Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones and Kyle Walker complete a back-four ahead of custodian Ederson.

Don’t miss: Lineups for Bournemouth vs Arsenal revealed

Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City side, the only team yet to taste defeat this season in the Premier League, are heavy favourites to clinch the tie and will look to set right their record at a venue at which they have not won in recent memory.

The stakes are arguably higher for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool as the club’s ambitions have been doubted in the aftermath of the €160 million sale of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona.

Also read: Listless Chelsea held by 10-man Leicester City

The last time the sides met, City hammered the Reds 5-0 and the Merseysiders are still smarting from that defeat and will definitely be seeking revenge.

Considering their counter-attacking style of play, Liverpool are perhaps the Premier League’s best hopes of slowing the Sky Blues’ inexorable march to the title and the tie at Anfield promises to be a humdinger, regardless of the result.

Liverpool: Karius, Gomez, Lovren, Matip, Robertson, Can, Wijnaldum, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Salah, Mane and Firmino.

Manchester City: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Delph, Fernandinho (c), De Bruyne, Gundogan, Sane, Sterling and Aguero.

Match starts at 1600 GMT/21.30 IST

Delhi Dynamos finally broke their winless run with a 2-0 victory over Bengaluru FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) clash here on Sunday.

Lallianzuala Chhangte (72nd minute) and Kalu Uche Guyon Fernandez (90+8) struck in the second half to earn Delhi only their second win of the ongoing season.

Sunday’s win was, however, not enough to lift Delhi off the bottom of the table as they continue to sit at the 10th spot with a meagre seven points from 10 matches.

They have the same number of points as ninth-placed NorthEast United who are ahead due to a better goal difference.

Bengaluru remain second with 18 points from 10 matches. They trail league leaders Chennaiyin FC by two points.