Backing the upcoming symbolic initiative to conserve energy that would be observed across several countries, BSES, one of Delhi's two power distribution companies (discom), on Tuesday urged its 40 lakh consumers to "switch off" during Earth Hour – 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm on March 25.

BSES said in a release here that during this annual event last year "Delhi saved around 230 MW (207 MW in BSES areas)." 

"On March 25, 2017, Delhiites will once-again join over a billion people in Mumbai, Los Angeles, London, Hong Kong, Sydney, Rome, Manila, Singapore, Dubai and in over 7000 cities across the six continents around the globe to observe the Earth Hour." 

BSES said that its two sister discoms in the capital "BRPL and BYPL will also switch off all non-essential lights at their over 400 offices, spread across an area of around 950 sq kms, during the appointed hour."

"As a "esponsible organisation, BSES is committed to reduce green house emissions and the impact of global warming. We should all strive for the day, when we don't nee' an Earth Hour. BSES and its consumers are once again gearing up to take up the challenge and take the Earth Hour event to greater heights," a BS"S spokesperson said.

"BSES discoms have been actively promoting rooftop solar net metering. It has energised nearly 300 roof top solar connections, with a sanctioned load of nearly 10 MW so far," he added.

Earth Hour is an annual international event created by the World Wide Fund (WWF) that urges households and businesses across the world to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour at the appointed time to raise awareness on the need to take action on climate change.

Backing the upcoming symbolic initiative to conserve energy that would be observed across several countries, BSES, one of Delhi's two power distribution companies (discom), on Tuesday urged its 40 lakh consumers to "switch off" during Earth Hour – 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm on March 25.

BSES said in a release here that during this annual event last year "Delhi saved around 230 MW (207 MW in BSES areas)." 

"On March 25, 2017, Delhiites will once-again join over a billion people in Mumbai, Los Angeles, London, Hong Kong, Sydney, Rome, Manila, Singapore, Dubai and in over 7000 cities across the six continents around the globe to observe the Earth Hour." 

BSES said that its two sister discoms in the capital "BRPL and BYPL will also switch off all non-essential lights at their over 400 offices, spread across an area of around 950 sq kms, during the appointed hour."

"As a "esponsible organisation, BSES is committed to reduce green house emissions and the impact of global warming. We should all strive for the day, when we don't nee' an Earth Hour. BSES and its consumers are once again gearing up to take up the challenge and take the Earth Hour event to greater heights," a BS"S spokesperson said.

"BSES discoms have been actively promoting rooftop solar net metering. It has energised nearly 300 roof top solar connections, with a sanctioned load of nearly 10 MW so far," he added.

Earth Hour is an annual international event created by the World Wide Fund (WWF) that urges households and businesses across the world to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour at the appointed time to raise awareness on the need to take action on climate change.

The 2017 F1 season is almost upon us and one can be assured that during the course of the 21-race season, there will be many twists in the tale as the chicanes come thick and fast, making seasoned racers and rookies alike spiral out of control.

The Statesman has listed the tracks that have that extra bit of oomph, for a multitude of reasons, in chronological order. 

Monaco GP: Monte Carlo

Glamour is synonymous with F1 and no Grand Prix is higher on glitz than the Monaco that is hosted in the French principality. Having the unique honour of being the only race in which the organisers do not pay a fee to the F1 group, it is the last ‘old-school style’ street circuit still standing. What you do here in qualifying is arguably even more important than Sunday’s race, for overtaking is nigh impossible in those narrow streets, which aren't meant for the broad F1 cars of today. So when a daredevil (Kimi Raikkonen, Max Verstappen we are looking at you!) does manage to overtake, it is safe to say that move becomes the highlight of the race. Among the shortest circuits at 3.337 km, winning the Monaco GP alone is enough to guarantee you a place among the all-time greats.

Most number of titles: Ayrton Senna (6).    

British GP: Silverstone
The only GP on the British Isles is one steeped in tradition. Silverstone was initially an aerodrome and holds the distinct honour of holding the season-opening race of the first F1 season way back in  1950. Plenty of layout changes have significantly changed the shape of some turns and bends since inception, but the essence of the iconic Silverstone remains. Races here are fast and furious and we wouldn't have it any other way, with plenty of fast-corners adding to the exhilarating action.

Most number of titles: Jim Clark (5).
 

Belgian GP: Spa-Francorchamps
Most racing aficionados will agree that the Spa is the best F1 track there is and while that debate will rage on long into the night, nobody can dispute the fact the longest circuit on the calendar is also among the most testing. While the original track (deemed too dangerous for F1!) was a real killer, the newer, younger version is hard to get a handle as well. A testament to that fact is that only six men have ever won it more than once. And if the track wasn’t challenging enough, the weather is notoriously fickle, almost always adding an extra bit of a challenge.

Most number of titles: Michael Schumacher (6).

Italian GP: Monza
The ‘home’ Grand Prix for F1’s most iconic team: Ferrari, Monza is almost always packed to the brim (mostly fans of the ‘Prancing Horse’) and while the race has a tragic history perhaps unlike any other, in terms of sheer neck-to-neck driving, there are few that rival it. Fast is a strange word to throw around in a motorsport such as F1, but La Pista Magica is definitely that and more and perhaps that is why it has hosted more grand prix than any other circuit.

Most number of titles: Michael Schumacher (5)

Singapore GP: Singapore

The only night race in the F1 calendar, Singapore is the newest entry on its list, established as recently as 2008. A street-circuit around the Marina Bay Arena, it is among the most picturesque races there are, thanks in no small part to Singapore’s stunning skyline that exudes charisma in the backdrop. Rumours are swirling that this may be the last year Singapore hosts a Grand Prix, however, so enjoy this floodlit-spectacle while it lasts!

Most number of titles: Sebastian Vettel (4)

Japanese GP: Suzuka
Last but not the least, it may surprise you to know that from a pure racing perspective, Suzuka is considered the finest track F1 has on its calendar. History suggests this is the place to be if you wish to witness the world champion being crowned, due to its unique place in the calendar. Arguably the only track that has seen minor changes since its inception, Suzuka has been witness to some furious battles, not least one enjoyed by spectators during the Ayrton Senna-Alain Prost years.  

Most number of titles: Michael Schumacher (6)

The 2017 F1 season is almost upon us and one can be assured that during the course of the 21-race season, there will be many twists in the tale as the chicanes come thick and fast, making seasoned racers and rookies alike spiral out of control.

The Statesman has listed the tracks that have that extra bit of oomph, for a multitude of reasons, in chronological order. 

Monaco GP: Monte Carlo

Glamour is synonymous with F1 and no Grand Prix is higher on glitz than the Monaco that is hosted in the French principality. Having the unique honour of being the only race in which the organisers do not pay a fee to the F1 group, it is the last ‘old-school style’ street circuit still standing. What you do here in qualifying is arguably even more important than Sunday’s race, for overtaking is nigh impossible in those narrow streets, which aren't meant for the broad F1 cars of today. So when a daredevil (Kimi Raikkonen, Max Verstappen we are looking at you!) does manage to overtake, it is safe to say that move becomes the highlight of the race. Among the shortest circuits at 3.337 km, winning the Monaco GP alone is enough to guarantee you a place among the all-time greats.

Most number of titles: Ayrton Senna (6).    

British GP: Silverstone
The only GP on the British Isles is one steeped in tradition. Silverstone was initially an aerodrome and holds the distinct honour of holding the season-opening race of the first F1 season way back in  1950. Plenty of layout changes have significantly changed the shape of some turns and bends since inception, but the essence of the iconic Silverstone remains. Races here are fast and furious and we wouldn't have it any other way, with plenty of fast-corners adding to the exhilarating action.

Most number of titles: Jim Clark (5).
 

Belgian GP: Spa-Francorchamps
Most racing aficionados will agree that the Spa is the best F1 track there is and while that debate will rage on long into the night, nobody can dispute the fact the longest circuit on the calendar is also among the most testing. While the original track (deemed too dangerous for F1!) was a real killer, the newer, younger version is hard to get a handle as well. A testament to that fact is that only six men have ever won it more than once. And if the track wasn’t challenging enough, the weather is notoriously fickle, almost always adding an extra bit of a challenge.

Most number of titles: Michael Schumacher (6).

Italian GP: Monza
The ‘home’ Grand Prix for F1’s most iconic team: Ferrari, Monza is almost always packed to the brim (mostly fans of the ‘Prancing Horse’) and while the race has a tragic history perhaps unlike any other, in terms of sheer neck-to-neck driving, there are few that rival it. Fast is a strange word to throw around in a motorsport such as F1, but La Pista Magica is definitely that and more and perhaps that is why it has hosted more grand prix than any other circuit.

Most number of titles: Michael Schumacher (5)

Singapore GP: Singapore

The only night race in the F1 calendar, Singapore is the newest entry on its list, established as recently as 2008. A street-circuit around the Marina Bay Arena, it is among the most picturesque races there are, thanks in no small part to Singapore’s stunning skyline that exudes charisma in the backdrop. Rumours are swirling that this may be the last year Singapore hosts a Grand Prix, however, so enjoy this floodlit-spectacle while it lasts!

Most number of titles: Sebastian Vettel (4)

Japanese GP: Suzuka
Last but not the least, it may surprise you to know that from a pure racing perspective, Suzuka is considered the finest track F1 has on its calendar. History suggests this is the place to be if you wish to witness the world champion being crowned, due to its unique place in the calendar. Arguably the only track that has seen minor changes since its inception, Suzuka has been witness to some furious battles, not least one enjoyed by spectators during the Ayrton Senna-Alain Prost years.  

Most number of titles: Michael Schumacher (6)

The HIV Bill, 2014, that would provide legal backing to people suffering from HIV-AIDS and also to those who are working to curb HIV was passed by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014, would ensure equal rights to people afflicted with HIV and AIDS in getting treatment, admission in educational institutions and jobs. It would also address HIV related discrimination, said Union Health Minister J P Nadda.

The provision of the Bill would be strengthening the existing programme by bringing in legal accountability and establishing formal mechanism for inquiring into complaints and redressing grievances.

The Bill was first introduced in Rajya Sabha in February 2014 and has gone through a very exhaustive process to include provision to strengthen the hands of people suffering and working to curb HIV. Introducing the Bill, the minister said India has impressive performance while curbing AIDS, while HIV deaths have declined by 54 % against the global decline rate of 41 %.

The minister said the passage of the Bill made this day a "historic day" because the government can now ensure better quality of life to people living with these diseases.

On the concern raised by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh over insufficient allocation for National AIDS Control Programme, the Health Minister said Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated for this year and there is no question of reducing funds for this Central scheme.

The Bill also has provision to prevent and control the spread of HIV and AIDS, and is aimed to enhance access to health care services by ensuring informed consent and confidentiality for HIV-related testing, treatment and clinical research.

Participating in the debate, members asked the government to make sure that all the provisions of the Bill were implemented effectively and HIV patients were given proper treatment in time. Those who participated in the debate also included SP leader Naresh Agarwal, Congress MP Oscar Fernandes and YSRCP's V Vijaisai Reddy.

The HIV Bill, 2014, that would provide legal backing to people suffering from HIV-AIDS and also to those who are working to curb HIV was passed by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014, would ensure equal rights to people afflicted with HIV and AIDS in getting treatment, admission in educational institutions and jobs. It would also address HIV related discrimination, said Union Health Minister J P Nadda.

The provision of the Bill would be strengthening the existing programme by bringing in legal accountability and establishing formal mechanism for inquiring into complaints and redressing grievances.

The Bill was first introduced in Rajya Sabha in February 2014 and has gone through a very exhaustive process to include provision to strengthen the hands of people suffering and working to curb HIV. Introducing the Bill, the minister said India has impressive performance while curbing AIDS, while HIV deaths have declined by 54 % against the global decline rate of 41 %.

The minister said the passage of the Bill made this day a "historic day" because the government can now ensure better quality of life to people living with these diseases.

On the concern raised by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh over insufficient allocation for National AIDS Control Programme, the Health Minister said Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated for this year and there is no question of reducing funds for this Central scheme.

The Bill also has provision to prevent and control the spread of HIV and AIDS, and is aimed to enhance access to health care services by ensuring informed consent and confidentiality for HIV-related testing, treatment and clinical research.

Participating in the debate, members asked the government to make sure that all the provisions of the Bill were implemented effectively and HIV patients were given proper treatment in time. Those who participated in the debate also included SP leader Naresh Agarwal, Congress MP Oscar Fernandes and YSRCP's V Vijaisai Reddy.

Passengers headed to the US from eight Muslim-majority countries and North Africa have been barred from carrying electronic devices larger than a cellphone under a new flight restriction enacted on Tuesday by the Trump administration.

Officials said the directive was an attempt to address gaps in foreign airport security, and said it was not based on any specific or credible threat of an imminent attack, the New York Times reported.

The Department of Homeland Security said the restricted items included laptop computers, tablets, cameras, travel printers and games bigger than a phone. The restrictions would not apply to aircraft crews, officials said in a briefing to reporters on Monday night that outlined the terms of the ban.

The new policy took effect on Tuesday, and must be followed within 96 hours by airlines flying to the US from airports in Cairo (Egypt), Dubai and Abu Dhabi (UAE), Istanbul (Turkey), Doha (Qatar), Amman (Jordan), Kuwait City, Casablanca (Morocco), Jeddah and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). 

Officials said the airports were selected based on the "current threat picture" and added that the carriers that fail to follow them risk losing their authorisation to operate in the US. 

The ban applies only to flights on foreign carriers, and not American-operated airlines. Officials did not say how long the ban would remain in place or if other airports would be added, said the report.

In all, officials said an estimated 50 flights each day into the US would be affected. 

The airlines affected are Egyptair, Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways, Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Turkish Airlines.

Word of the ban was first made public Monday afternoon — not by US administration officials, but in a tweet sent out by Royal Jordanian Airlines, reported the Washington Post.

Initially, US officials declined to comment on the report, saying only that they would provide an update "when appropriate", said the report.

Royal Jordanian Airlines told passengers that medical devices were still allowed.

The US officials said intelligence "indicates terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation" by "smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items". 

"Just evaluating all the intelligence, we believe that the threat is still prominent against aircraft and airports," an official said.

Separately, an official with the Transportation Security Administration who confirmed the new restriction, said that not everyone at the agency had been briefed about it as of Monday evening, raising the possibility that it was being rushed out. 

Passengers headed to the US from eight Muslim-majority countries and North Africa have been barred from carrying electronic devices larger than a cellphone under a new flight restriction enacted on Tuesday by the Trump administration.

Officials said the directive was an attempt to address gaps in foreign airport security, and said it was not based on any specific or credible threat of an imminent attack, the New York Times reported.

The Department of Homeland Security said the restricted items included laptop computers, tablets, cameras, travel printers and games bigger than a phone. The restrictions would not apply to aircraft crews, officials said in a briefing to reporters on Monday night that outlined the terms of the ban.

The new policy took effect on Tuesday, and must be followed within 96 hours by airlines flying to the US from airports in Cairo (Egypt), Dubai and Abu Dhabi (UAE), Istanbul (Turkey), Doha (Qatar), Amman (Jordan), Kuwait City, Casablanca (Morocco), Jeddah and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). 

Officials said the airports were selected based on the "current threat picture" and added that the carriers that fail to follow them risk losing their authorisation to operate in the US. 

The ban applies only to flights on foreign carriers, and not American-operated airlines. Officials did not say how long the ban would remain in place or if other airports would be added, said the report.

In all, officials said an estimated 50 flights each day into the US would be affected. 

The airlines affected are Egyptair, Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways, Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Turkish Airlines.

Word of the ban was first made public Monday afternoon — not by US administration officials, but in a tweet sent out by Royal Jordanian Airlines, reported the Washington Post.

Initially, US officials declined to comment on the report, saying only that they would provide an update "when appropriate", said the report.

Royal Jordanian Airlines told passengers that medical devices were still allowed.

The US officials said intelligence "indicates terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation" by "smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items". 

"Just evaluating all the intelligence, we believe that the threat is still prominent against aircraft and airports," an official said.

Separately, an official with the Transportation Security Administration who confirmed the new restriction, said that not everyone at the agency had been briefed about it as of Monday evening, raising the possibility that it was being rushed out. 

The RSS on Tuesday said it was seriously concerned over the rise of what it said were "jihadi elements" in West Bengal and flayed the state's TMC government for "patronising" anti-national elements.

During its three-day National Council meet here, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) adopted a resolution on the situation in Bengal and called upon the people to counter the Mamata Banerjee government's vote-bank politics.

"In the last several months, we have been witnessing a peculiar but dangerous situation in the state. To put it across in mildest terms, there is an increase in the number of jihadi activists, unfortunately under the patronage and support of the state administration," RSS Joint General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said.

Giving examples of alleged communal violence, including in Dhulagarh in Howrah district and Kaliachak in Malda district, Hosabale accused the Trinamool government of failing to protect the Hindus. 

"There have been several incidents where Hindus in villages and towns of Bengal have been targets of jihadi elements and fundamentalist forces. 

"Police and civil administration have turned a blind eye to all this and did not protect those from the Hindu community," he said.

The RSS on Tuesday said it was seriously concerned over the rise of what it said were "jihadi elements" in West Bengal and flayed the state's TMC government for "patronising" anti-national elements.

During its three-day National Council meet here, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) adopted a resolution on the situation in Bengal and called upon the people to counter the Mamata Banerjee government's vote-bank politics.

"In the last several months, we have been witnessing a peculiar but dangerous situation in the state. To put it across in mildest terms, there is an increase in the number of jihadi activists, unfortunately under the patronage and support of the state administration," RSS Joint General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said.

Giving examples of alleged communal violence, including in Dhulagarh in Howrah district and Kaliachak in Malda district, Hosabale accused the Trinamool government of failing to protect the Hindus. 

"There have been several incidents where Hindus in villages and towns of Bengal have been targets of jihadi elements and fundamentalist forces. 

"Police and civil administration have turned a blind eye to all this and did not protect those from the Hindu community," he said.

After megastar Amitabh Bachchan lent his name for saving dwindling tigers, the Maharashtra government wants him to become a brand ambassador for its 'save the girl child' initiative, Health Minister Deepak Sawant said here on Tuesday.

"We shall request him to become the brand ambassador for this initiative which can help prevent female foeticide and save the girl child," Sawant said.

He was addressing a high-level meeting in Mantralaya in the wake of the recent shocking incident of female foeticide unearthed in Sangli where 19 female foetuses were found buried outside a private hospital carrying out illegal abortions.

On the occasion, Sawant said in some districts like Bhandara the male-female ratio had shown an upward trend but in others like Washim it had declined, which is a matter of concern.

In this connection, the state had already strictly enforced the laws banning pre-natal sex determination tests.

"However, pregnancy tests are carried out in the border areas of neighbouring states like Karnataka, Gujarat and others, while abortions are performed in Maharashtra. We have written to these states to work out an effective solution," Sawant said.

With a view to create mass awareness about the need to save the girl child, improve the male-female ratio and related issues, the state government will request Bachchan to become the brand ambassador for the initiative, he added.

Present at the meeting were Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Vijay Satbir Singh, Family Welfare Commissioner Ramesh Devkar, Director Health Satish Pawar, State Women's Commission President Vijaya Rahatkar and other elected representatives and stakeholders.

If Bachchan accepts the invite to 'save the girl child', it will be his third cap as a brand ambassador in the state after tigers and tuberculosis.

Besides endorsing various private products and services, he is tourism brand ambassador for Gujarat and the Government of India's pulse polio campaign.

After megastar Amitabh Bachchan lent his name for saving dwindling tigers, the Maharashtra government wants him to become a brand ambassador for its 'save the girl child' initiative, Health Minister Deepak Sawant said here on Tuesday.

"We shall request him to become the brand ambassador for this initiative which can help prevent female foeticide and save the girl child," Sawant said.

He was addressing a high-level meeting in Mantralaya in the wake of the recent shocking incident of female foeticide unearthed in Sangli where 19 female foetuses were found buried outside a private hospital carrying out illegal abortions.

On the occasion, Sawant said in some districts like Bhandara the male-female ratio had shown an upward trend but in others like Washim it had declined, which is a matter of concern.

In this connection, the state had already strictly enforced the laws banning pre-natal sex determination tests.

"However, pregnancy tests are carried out in the border areas of neighbouring states like Karnataka, Gujarat and others, while abortions are performed in Maharashtra. We have written to these states to work out an effective solution," Sawant said.

With a view to create mass awareness about the need to save the girl child, improve the male-female ratio and related issues, the state government will request Bachchan to become the brand ambassador for the initiative, he added.

Present at the meeting were Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Vijay Satbir Singh, Family Welfare Commissioner Ramesh Devkar, Director Health Satish Pawar, State Women's Commission President Vijaya Rahatkar and other elected representatives and stakeholders.

If Bachchan accepts the invite to 'save the girl child', it will be his third cap as a brand ambassador in the state after tigers and tuberculosis.

Besides endorsing various private products and services, he is tourism brand ambassador for Gujarat and the Government of India's pulse polio campaign.

The government on Tuesday said that Aadhaar card will be mandatory for filing Income Tax Return (IR) as well as applying for Permanent Account Number (PAN) from the next financial year. The move will come into effect from July 1, 2017.

According to a proposal by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, the Adhaar Card number would have to be linked to individual’s Pan numbers.  

In another announcement, the labour ministry has made Aadhaar card mandatory for Employees Provident Fund (EFP) accounts from March 31.

The government on Tuesday said that Aadhaar card will be mandatory for filing Income Tax Return (IR) as well as applying for Permanent Account Number (PAN) from the next financial year. The move will come into effect from July 1, 2017.

According to a proposal by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, the Adhaar Card number would have to be linked to individual’s Pan numbers.  

In another announcement, the labour ministry has made Aadhaar card mandatory for Employees Provident Fund (EFP) accounts from March 31.

The Punjab government is exploring legal opinion on the issue of cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu's appearance on a popular television comedy show after he became a cabinet minister in the Amarinder Singh government.

Punjab Advocate General Atul Nanda said here on Tuesday that he will give legal opinion on the issue soon.

"I will give legal opinion on the matter once the file regarding this issue is put up to me," Nanda said here.

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had said on Monday that he will seek legal opinion on whether Sidhu, as a minister, can continue the TV show.

Sidhu was sworn-in as cabinet minister in the Punjab government on March 16. He has been allocated the portfolios of local government, tourism and cultural affairs.

The chirpy Sidhu has been defending his move to continue 'The Kapil Sharma Show' saying that he will fulfil all his duties as a minister and will go to Mumbai only for one night on Saturday to shoot for the show. 

He claimed that his only earning was from this show and he had stopped doing other things like sports commentary.

"It is a matter of only one night. I will be available for the rest of the time," Sidhu told media here.

He maintained that doing a TV show did not come under the ambit of 'office of profit' since he was not getting any money from the government.

But opposition leaders from the Shiromani Akali Dal, BJP and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are questioning Sidhu's move.

They said that Sidhu should decide whether he wanted to be a minister or continue as a TV celebrity.

The enthralling sport of speed and consistency, Formula One is back with the fresh season starting Friday. The leading drivers have set their sights on the glittering trophy that decorated Nico Rosberg’s shelf in 2016 F1 Championship.

Amidst highly-competitive races on the toughest F1 tracks, wonderful would be watching the hard-hitting rivalries between drivers in the 20-race stretched Formula One calendar this year.

However, ahead of the fresh season starting with the Australian Grand Prix to be held at the Albert Park on March 24-26, it’s important to have a look back on the greatest formula one rivalries over the past five decades of the glorious championship.

1970s

71-74 – Jackie Stewart vs Emerson Fittipaldi

Although the championship got its recognition in 1950, the 70’s era saw best of action with high-competitive races.

UK-born driver Jackie Stewart, who later earned the title of ‘Flying Scot’, was a sheer delight to watch in those nine seasons he featured. He won three F1 Championship titles (1969, 71 and 73) and twice ended as the runner-up with Tyrrell.

Brazilian driver Emerson Fittipaldi was the one who challenged Stewart and broke his momentum, lifting the title twice (1972 and 74) in an era highly-dominated by the stylish driver.

The Lotus driver enjoyed extensive success as his record of being the youngest driver to win a championship in 1972, aged 25, remained intact for 33 years.

75-77 – Niki Lauda vs James Hunt

The F1 rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda is a prime example of merciless competitiveness as the two whenever clashed, resulted in high-spark action.

The rivalry was so dramatic that it convinced the ‘A Beautiful Mind’ director Ron Howard to make a film on it. The Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl starrer action drama ‘Rush’, released in 2013 and received high acclaim from critics all over the globe.

Austrian driver Lauda won the F1 Championship thrice (1975, 1977 and 1984) and remains to be the only driver to win a season with both Ferrari and McLaren.

UK-born McLaren driver James Hunt came in the scene during the 1976 F1 Championship as following a tough competition he defeated the seasoned driver Lauda.

After the humiliating defeat, Lauda took a heavy loan and strategised separately for every track and returned to winning ways in 1977.

1980s

81-89 – Nelson Piquet vs Alain Prost

McLaren driver Alain Prost won the Formula One championship four times, a record that was surpassed later by Sebastian Vettel, Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher.

The French driver ruled the F1 circuit from 1987 to 2001, winning record 51 Grand Prix. German driver Schumacher surpassed his record at the 2001 Belgian Grand Prix.

However, it was his rivalry with Nelson Piquet that inspired him to do better with the flying machine. Brazilian driver Piquet was crowned as champion thrice (1981, 1983 and 1987) with 60 podium finishes at various Grand Prix.

1990s

90-95 – Ayrton Senna vs Michael Schumacher

‘Who was the greatest F1 driver of all time, Ayrton Senna or Michael Schumacher?’

The question will always be a never-ending debate, however, watching them race and dominating each other on the deadliest of F1 tracks was something to cherish for eternity.

The legendary Schumacher won the championship for a record seven times and his racing span with Ferrari that resulted in five consecutive titles (from 2000 to 2004) still remains to be the landmark of the premier motor sport.

On the other hand Brazil-born Senna, who died at 34 after succumbing to injuries he suffered at the San Marino Grand Prix in May 1994, shares the same legendary status as Schumacher owns.

In his active years (1984-1994), Senna won three F1 Championships and 41 Grand Prix with 80 podium finishes. 

2000s

1998-06 – Michael Schumacher vs Fernando Alonso/Mika Häkkinen

It was the era finely crafted for success by the German legend Schumacher as he won five F1 Championship titles in a row, driving for Ferrari.

Spanish driver Fernando Alonso halted Schumacher’s victory juggernaut when he won two successive titles in 2005 and 2006. Besides two titles, Alonso carries 92 podium finishes in his racing portfolio.

Before Schumacher’s dominance in the early 2000’s, McLaren driver Mika Häkkinen ruled the F1 circuit winning the 1998 and 99 edition of the prestigious championship. The Finnish driver won 20 Grand Prix in his ten-year racing span. 

2010s

10-15 – Sebastian Vettel vs Lewis Hamilton

The young brigade of Formula One enthusiasts value these two drivers the most. ‘Sebastian Vettel vs Lewis Hamilton’ has been the most-talked about debate in the past decade.

From Red Bull Racing to Ferrari, Vettel appears a step forward of Hamilton with four F1 Championship titles, though the Mercedes driver has exhibited tremendous development over the recent past.

The 32-year-old driver has won three titles (2008, 2014, 2015) so far, besides 104 podium finishes at various F1 Grand Prix.

The Congress on Tuesday criticised the BJP-led NDA government for its economic policies, saying that disparity between the poor and the rich was widening because of its "wrong taxation and economic policies".

"The government has reduced direct taxes and increased the indirect ones," Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda told media in Parliament House.

He said this created problems for the masses as increased indirect taxes hurt the poor the most.

"All Indians, including the poor and the super rich, are paying the same tax on petroleum products," he said, asking the government to hike, if it has to, only the direct taxes and not the indirect ones.

He said that transparent electoral funding measures cannot be merged in the Finance Bill and the Congress would want a separate bill on it.

"The government has failed to take advantage of the world economic conditions. It has imposed heavy taxes more on petroleum products when crude oil was being sold at lower costs in the international market," Hooda said.

The Congress Lok Sabha MP said that for the first time after 58 years, the industry has borrowed very less from banks in comparison to yesteryears.

"This is a clear indication that there would be lesser job creation," he said.

To a query on what the Congress' view was on the Supreme Court's suggestion on settlement of the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute through negotiation, he said: "Congress welcomes it".