Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has proposed to slash the stamp duty from 5 to 3 per cent and the registration fees from 1 to 0.25 per cent on the partition deeds of properties other than the ancestral ones.

Presenting the state budget for 2017-18, the chief minister on Wednesday stipulated that the reduction in the registration fees would be a maximum to Rs.10,000.

Raje recalled that in her last budget, she had rationalised the rates of stamp duty on partition of ancestral property.

She added that her this year's proposal to slash the stamp duty on division of properties other than ancestral ones is line with her last year's step.

In a bid to provide relief to the common man in payment of stamp duty and registrations fees on the documents like sale agreement and the power of attorney during sale-purchase of properties, Raje in her budget also sought to reduce the stamp duty on these documents from 3 and 2 per cent to 0.5 per cent respectively.

She also sought to slash the registration fees from 1 per cent to 0.25 percent with a cap of Rs 10,000 on the two documents, namely sale agreement and the power of attorney.

The chief minister recalled that her last budget had, in a bid to provide relief in payment of stamp duty on "loan document without possession" slashed the duty to 0.15 percent to a maximum of Rs.10 lakh.

In line with that step, she said, she was now proposing to further bring down the Rs.10 lakh cap on stamp duty to Rs.5 lakh to provide cheaper loan for building houses and developing industries.

She also sought to exempt the stamp duty on the instrument of assignment of debt of a sick industrial unit from bank/ financial institution in the favour of Asset Reconstruction Company and on the instrument of transfer of sick micro and small enterprise as defined in the Rajasthan Sick Micro and Small Enterprises (Revival and Rehabilitation) Scheme, 2015.

Other measures to push growth in the real sector were also announced by the chief minister in her budget speech.

Actor Randeep Hooda said on Wednesday he should have been careful with his tweet related to Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur.

The Lady Sri Ram College student, daughter of army martyr Captain Mandeep Singh, had launched a viral social media campaign against Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the BJP's student wing.

She got caught up in a Twitter war with ex-cricketer Virendra Sehwag and Hooda, who called her a "political pawn".

When asked to clarify his tweet, Hooda said, "It wasn't gender specific. I was and I am against politicisation of personal opinions. There was an axe to grind and considering the environment in the country vis-a-vis women, in hindsight, I do believe I should have been more careful." 

Hooda said being an actor, he is often trolled on social media but for Kaur, it must have been traumatic.

"As an actor I have faced this (trolling) before and will have it in future but as a young person to face this would be very traumatic and she shouldn't have gone through this." 

The actor said he was not aware of any threats which were given to Kaur when he tweeted, which were taken out of context and eventually people started labelling him as a bully.

"I don't know what the authorities are doing. But by that time the narrative was set. I was labelled, put in a box. I have been labelled before," he said.

The actor was speaking at the launch of second season of MTV "Big F", a show which he will be hosting.

Randeep said online trolling had become a huge issue and needed to be addressed soon.

"When I spoke for Sanjay Leela Bhansali, I got trolled. It seems we are not having a conversation. We tend to be abusive.

We are trolling people. It is absolutely wrong. You can have a point of view and you can disagree. Whether it is a man or a woman, it is wrong to troll and if it is a woman it is a crime.

"You cannot threaten a woman with violence on social media. That has to be addressed. Social media portal heads in India should look into it very seriously because it is becoming a bigger issue." 

The "Highway" star said when he re-tweeted a tweet by Sehwag, it was purely because he found it funny and didn't even know "who the girl was" so he laughed it off.

It was only later that Hooda realised the issue had snowballed into a huge controversy.

"I said do not politicise this poor girl's point of view.

And then those two words were taken: For using 'poor', they said you are a misogynist and for using 'girl's, they said sexist, and I said, 'If it were a boy, I would have said the same things.

Actor Randeep Hooda said on Wednesday he should have been careful with his tweet related to Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur.

The Lady Sri Ram College student, daughter of army martyr Captain Mandeep Singh, had launched a viral social media campaign against Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the BJP's student wing.

She got caught up in a Twitter war with ex-cricketer Virendra Sehwag and Hooda, who called her a "political pawn".

When asked to clarify his tweet, Hooda said, "It wasn't gender specific. I was and I am against politicisation of personal opinions. There was an axe to grind and considering the environment in the country vis-a-vis women, in hindsight, I do believe I should have been more careful." 

Hooda said being an actor, he is often trolled on social media but for Kaur, it must have been traumatic.

"As an actor I have faced this (trolling) before and will have it in future but as a young person to face this would be very traumatic and she shouldn't have gone through this." 

The actor said he was not aware of any threats which were given to Kaur when he tweeted, which were taken out of context and eventually people started labelling him as a bully.

"I don't know what the authorities are doing. But by that time the narrative was set. I was labelled, put in a box. I have been labelled before," he said.

The actor was speaking at the launch of second season of MTV "Big F", a show which he will be hosting.

Randeep said online trolling had become a huge issue and needed to be addressed soon.

"When I spoke for Sanjay Leela Bhansali, I got trolled. It seems we are not having a conversation. We tend to be abusive.

We are trolling people. It is absolutely wrong. You can have a point of view and you can disagree. Whether it is a man or a woman, it is wrong to troll and if it is a woman it is a crime.

"You cannot threaten a woman with violence on social media. That has to be addressed. Social media portal heads in India should look into it very seriously because it is becoming a bigger issue." 

The "Highway" star said when he re-tweeted a tweet by Sehwag, it was purely because he found it funny and didn't even know "who the girl was" so he laughed it off.

It was only later that Hooda realised the issue had snowballed into a huge controversy.

"I said do not politicise this poor girl's point of view.

And then those two words were taken: For using 'poor', they said you are a misogynist and for using 'girl's, they said sexist, and I said, 'If it were a boy, I would have said the same things.

In yet another incident of moral policing in Kerala, a group of Shiv Sena supporters attacked young couples on Marine Drive in Kochi on Wednesday evening.

The events unfurled as a handful of Shiv Sena men, some of them wielding canes, took out a march through Marine Drive.

The incident took place in the presence of policemen and mediapersons and a police sub inspector was suspended and eight constables were transferred for their failure to prevent the harassment.

Police said that the Sena activists took out a procession, with a banner 'stop love under umbrella' on Wednesday. They then verbally abused the couples and threatened them to vacate the walkway.

Some of the Sena supporters then caned the couples and asked them not to return to the walkway anymore, police informed.

The situation was brought under control after more policemen reached the spot.

Six Sena activists were arrested in connection with the incident. The arrests were made under charges of causing public nuisance and holding procession without police permission.

In yet another incident of moral policing in Kerala, a group of Shiv Sena supporters attacked young couples on Marine Drive in Kochi on Wednesday evening.

The events unfurled as a handful of Shiv Sena men, some of them wielding canes, took out a march through Marine Drive.

The incident took place in the presence of policemen and mediapersons and a police sub inspector was suspended and eight constables were transferred for their failure to prevent the harassment.

Police said that the Sena activists took out a procession, with a banner 'stop love under umbrella' on Wednesday. They then verbally abused the couples and threatened them to vacate the walkway.

Some of the Sena supporters then caned the couples and asked them not to return to the walkway anymore, police informed.

The situation was brought under control after more policemen reached the spot.

Six Sena activists were arrested in connection with the incident. The arrests were made under charges of causing public nuisance and holding procession without police permission.

Clothes are an integral part of every festival. Holi, the festival of colours, has its essence deep in vibrant clothes to a great extent. What you wear is not only a reflection of your personality but it symbolises the colourful festival too.

On Holi, everyone loves to dress up in his own style and colour. Some like to wear traditional and some contemporary. There is nothing wrong in opting to look mode and fashionable. Yet, it is essential to stay connected with culture, especially on festive occasions.

Dressing up traditionally is not just to show others that you value your cultural norms. It’s more about expressing your gratitude towards your traditional family values. Moreover, wearing traditional clothes during festival is more ideal.

The type of clothes worn on Holi affect the attitude of individuals. A pure white cotton kurta and churidaar is the best possible outfit for men. It looks very stylish and also remains comfortable. You can team it up with a Gandhi topi that completes the Holi look. For young girls and women, a well-fitted white cotton salwar-kameez is the best idea to look hot as well as elegant. Drape a colourful Satrangi dupatta in a contemporary style over it. The colour white is a cool choice. It permits the liveliness of an array of bright colours to reflect in full swing. Comfy cotton gives a beach like feel to get wet and dry up quickly under the sunshine. These types of clothes protect the body from colours keeping it almost fully covered.

A white kurta-pyjama and salwar-kameez are the classic style of Holi scenes in famous Bollywood films too. You will certainly experience an enchanting sensation upon wearing them. They attract much more waves from the enthusiastic ambiance and help you to imbibe them. The special clothing brings out your inner naughtiness, excitement and joy with much more comfort than the Western wear while playing with colours and water. Having a unique aesthetic appeal, they give a chic look in decent way.

Try them this year and feel the difference. If you are going through a busy schedule and have no time to go on a shopping spree, you can buy these simple traditional outfits online. Online stores offer great discount and timely doorstep delivery. So, click and pick your snowy attire and get set to drench in the colourful water relishing your new bleached avatar.

Clothes are an integral part of every festival. Holi, the festival of colours, has its essence deep in vibrant clothes to a great extent. What you wear is not only a reflection of your personality but it symbolises the colourful festival too.

On Holi, everyone loves to dress up in his own style and colour. Some like to wear traditional and some contemporary. There is nothing wrong in opting to look mode and fashionable. Yet, it is essential to stay connected with culture, especially on festive occasions.

Dressing up traditionally is not just to show others that you value your cultural norms. It’s more about expressing your gratitude towards your traditional family values. Moreover, wearing traditional clothes during festival is more ideal.

The type of clothes worn on Holi affect the attitude of individuals. A pure white cotton kurta and churidaar is the best possible outfit for men. It looks very stylish and also remains comfortable. You can team it up with a Gandhi topi that completes the Holi look. For young girls and women, a well-fitted white cotton salwar-kameez is the best idea to look hot as well as elegant. Drape a colourful Satrangi dupatta in a contemporary style over it. The colour white is a cool choice. It permits the liveliness of an array of bright colours to reflect in full swing. Comfy cotton gives a beach like feel to get wet and dry up quickly under the sunshine. These types of clothes protect the body from colours keeping it almost fully covered.

A white kurta-pyjama and salwar-kameez are the classic style of Holi scenes in famous Bollywood films too. You will certainly experience an enchanting sensation upon wearing them. They attract much more waves from the enthusiastic ambiance and help you to imbibe them. The special clothing brings out your inner naughtiness, excitement and joy with much more comfort than the Western wear while playing with colours and water. Having a unique aesthetic appeal, they give a chic look in decent way.

Try them this year and feel the difference. If you are going through a busy schedule and have no time to go on a shopping spree, you can buy these simple traditional outfits online. Online stores offer great discount and timely doorstep delivery. So, click and pick your snowy attire and get set to drench in the colourful water relishing your new bleached avatar.

Following the election commission's order, repolling in 34 polling stations in three districts of Manipur is being held amid tight security on Thursday.

"Voters are seen standing in queues before the polling stations for the repolling which is so far peaceful" an election commission official said.

As electoral malpractices were reported at the polling booths in Imphal, Churachandpur and Kangpoki districts, the EC on Tuesday ordered for a repoll.

Polling for the these booths were held in the first phase the Manipur Assembly elections on March 4.

Repolling was started at 7 am.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Following the election commission's order, repolling in 34 polling stations in three districts of Manipur is being held amid tight security on Thursday.

"Voters are seen standing in queues before the polling stations for the repolling which is so far peaceful" an election commission official said.

As electoral malpractices were reported at the polling booths in Imphal, Churachandpur and Kangpoki districts, the EC on Tuesday ordered for a repoll.

Polling for the these booths were held in the first phase the Manipur Assembly elections on March 4.

Repolling was started at 7 am.

(With inputs from Agencies)

US President Donald Trump has slammed the Obama administration for releasing prisoners from the Guantanamo Bay and termed it a "terrible decision".

"122 vicious prisoners, released by the Obama Administration from Gitmo, have returned to the battlefield. Just another terrible decision!" Trump said in a tweet on Tuesday.

"This President is very clear that he understands the nature of the threat that the people in Gitmo pose to our nation, and the recidivism rate that are there among people we have released. That is a concern that he shares," White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said on Wednesday.

Defending the Bush administration's decision to release prisoners, he said "it was in many cases they were under court order."

"The Obama administration made it actually a priority to let people go, and to actively desire to close that camp and to release more and more of those people, especially in the waning days," Spicer said.

Spicer said there is a huge contrast between the posture and the policy of the last two administrations on how they were dealing with Gitmo.

"This administration understands, and the President has been very clear. He understands that people kept in Gitmo pose a danger to our country and to the rest of the world. There's a big, big difference between the posture of those two," he said.

Trump's predecessor Obama had made it a top priority to close down the Guantanamo Bay, as he believed that its existence makes the United States unsafe but was unable to do so, mainly due to the opposition from the Congress.

The Guantanamo Bay detention camp is located within Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba.

The camp was established by former President George W Bush's administration in 2002 during his 'war on terror' in response to the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

US has also rejected the reports of using Guantanamo Bay prison to detain refugees.

"There is nothing to consider it for. We're fine right now. There's nothing that we would need to use it for," Sean Spicer said.

Asked about the ongoing military exercise in Guantanamo Bay, he described it as "routine exercise" saying the military prepares for a whole host of contingency operations.

"It is a routine military operation. As several of them do with our partners throughout the world where we plan for random, contingencies that may or may not happen. That's the job of the military to practice for contingencies that may or may not happen on a whole host of issues," Spicer added.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho on Wednesday criticised the state of their FC Rostov’s pitch, ahead of their UEFA Europa League round-of-16 clash with the Russian side.

In the pre-match press conference, the Portuguese tactician stated: "It’s still hard for me to believe that we are going to play tomorrow.I know we have to but it’s hard for me to believe we are going to play on that field, if you can call it a field."

Responding to queries on Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s involvement in Thursday’s game, as the Armenian has been recovering from a hamstring complaint, he said: "I don’t know which team to play, really. I don’t know which team I will play, I don’t know if Mkhitaryan is going to play. I have a lot to think because I was expecting something more playable.”

Mourinho also refused to comment on star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s three-match suspension for elbowing Tyrone Mings in the face during United’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in the English Premier League over the weekend,

He did, however, confirm that the Swede “plays tomorrow” at the Olimp-2 Stadium since he is suspended only for domestic competitions not European ties.

The full Manchester United squad that has traveled to Rostov:
De Gea, Romero, O'Hara; Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Smalling, Blind, Darmian, Young; Carrick, Herrera, Fellaini, Pogba, Mata, Lingard, Mkhitaryan; Martial, Rashford, Ibrahimovic.

One terrorist was killed in a fierce gun battle between security forces and suspected terrorists in Awantipora village of Pulwama district in south Kashmir on Thursday morning.

Security forces from the CRPF and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police have started search operations and cordoned off the area where two-three militants of the group were holed up.

The Army was deployed in the area to carry out combing operations.

"Two heavily armed terrorists are believed to be trapped in a house. Troops of 130 Battalion CRPF, 55 Rashtriya Rifles and SOG Pulwama are involved in the operations," police said.

Locals said gunshots were heard after security forces have sealed all the entry and exit points.

Meanwhile, the Bannihal-Baramulla train service has been suspended as the railway track moves close to encounter site in Padgampora village.

This is the second major encounter in the area in last four days. Last week, top Hizbul Mujahideen militant Aqib Maulvi was killed along with a Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed militant Osama in Tral area of Pulwama district.

Manchester City's faint ambitions of catching Premier League leader Chelsea were damaged by a 0-0 home draw against Stoke.

It was the first match in which City failed to score at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday under Pep Guardiola this season, leaving the team 10 points behind Chelsea with 11 games remaining.

With Guardiola choosing to rest in-form winger Raheem Sterling completely and only using playmaker David Silva in the second half, City lacked energy and imagination going forward.

Stoke, coached by former City manager Mark Hughes, packed its defence and impressive centre backs Ryan Shawcross and Bruno Martins Indi didn't offer up a clear-cut chance to City's star striker, Sergio Aguero.

The best chance fell to Silva in the 72nd minute, but the Spain international dragged a shot narrowly wide after jinking into the area.

Guardiola had already virtually given up on the title, calling Chelsea "almost unstoppable," and two dropped points makes City's task even more unlikely. City is behind second-placed Tottenham on goal difference.

This game came amid a busy schedule for City, which is playing a match every three or four days due to its involvement in the FA Cup and Champions League. 

Barcelona completed one a miraculous comeback on Wednesday night, thrashing Paris Saint-Germain 6-1 in their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 second leg at the Nou Camp to progress to the quarterfinals 6-5 on aggregate.

In the aftermath of their humiliating loss in Paris, Barcelona manager Luis Enrique had announced he wouldn't be renewing his contract in the summer and his side trotted out in a 3-3-4 formation which was meant to attack from the very first minute.

PSG were without the services of the mercurial Angel di Maria, who had tormented La Blaugrana in the first leg, as Unai Emery felt he wasn't fit to start and in his place the talented but inconsistent Lucas started.

As expected, the hosts harried Les Parisiens from the start and got off to a blistering start when Luis Suarez’s close-ranger header in the third minute was deemed to have crossed the line. PSG’s goalkeeper Kevin Trapp should have dealt with the ball, either punching or catching it, but his hesitation had cost his side dear.

Barcelona continued to press high up the pitch but as time ticked on it seemed PSG would hold out  despite unwittingly inviting pressure on to themselves. Neymar, Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta all took aim at goal from distance and as their shots whizzed wide, a packed Nou Camp grew tense as time in the first half ran out.

It was left to the evergreen maestro, Andres Iniesta, to conjure a goal out of nothing. On the byline near the goal, surrounded by PSG defenders, the midfielder’s back heel crept inside the goal after getting a massive deflection off Layvin Kurzawa five minutes before the interval.

That second goal gave a massive boost to the hosts who started the second half akin to the way they had first, pressing and harrying PSG in their own half. And when Neymar was tripped by a falling Thomas Meunier in the box, match referee Deniz Aytekin had no hesitation towards pointing to the spot. Messi stepped up to score his 39th goal of the season, sending Trapp the wrong way.

PSG, sensing a serious comeback was on the cards, remembered they could play football and on a rapid counter attack almost had an immediate reply but Edinson Cavani’s first-time shot hit the post to give Barcelona a reprieve.

Cavani was to have his goal, however, volleying home from inside the box after Kurzawa had headed the ball back in his path two minutes over the hour mark to give the visitors a real chance of making it to the quarters.
In fact Cavani’s goal had ensured that come what may, the tie would not be going to extra time and the stakes were officially raised as Barcelona needed to score three more goals to progress (the away goals rule applies in Champions League matches).

And three goals they did score, but was more remarkable about them was that they all came after the 87th minute.
First, Neymar curled in a magical free kick from the left, as Trapp was expecting the Brazilian to cross and had strayed too far from the first post in the 88th minute.

The second goal came via highly controversial circumstances as Suarez tumbled inside the box by a slight touch from PSG defender Marquinhos. The contact was minimal if at all there was any contact as the Uruguayan striker raced onto a long ball but despite PSG’s protests, the penalty was given.

Neymar stepped up this time, and sent Trapp the wrong way with a cool spot-kick in the 91st minute to give Barcelona four minutes to find the winner.

And find the winner they did, via an unlikely source in full back Sergio Roberto. The La Masia graduate finished from close range after Neymar’s free kick from wide had found him unmarked inside the box in the 96th minute. Wild scenes erupted at the Camp Nou, which up till now, had been famous for Manchester United’s comeback win against Bayern Munich in the 1999 UEFA Champions League final.

No team had ever in the history of the UEFA Champions League ever overturned a four-goal deficit and Barcelona have created history any way you look it and while the MSN (Messi, Suarez, Neymar) will receive most of the attention, their manager Luis Enrique was the true mastermind.
The tactician has had a trophy-laden three seasons with the Catalans and credit must be given to him for turning things around so quickly.

It was with a sense of disbelief that Delhi'ites learnt in November last year that Pragati Maidan would be shut down for four years for renovation. This meant, for the coming four years, no more trade fairs, book fair or any of the numerous exhibitions held there; no more film shows or restaurants to dine in; and no more ambling along its quaint inner roads. The verdant ambience that one had grown to enjoy would be shut till 2020. Demolition has begun and a few state pavilions have been razed and several trees chopped. 

Located in the heart of the city, hemmed in by the Zoological Park and the stately Purana Quila on one side and the National Science Centre on another, a Supreme Court extension complex is being built on what was once the popular Appu Ghar on the Pragati Maidan's northern edge. While visitors throng the fair grounds, spread over 150 acres, round the year, 14-27 November, when the annual India International Trade Fair is held, sees a massive crowd descending on the place year after year. Walking down the zig-zag, fenced path leading up to the fair's ticket counters, family groups and friends would anticipate a few hours of gala time. While the fair was meant to promote business, for common people it was more like a family picnic or get together for friends. Thus, more than anything, the place came to have an emotional attachment for the citizens.

As news of Pragati Maidan's demolition made its rounds, the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) quickly rubbished the news but agreed that renovation work ~ they call it redevelopment ~ was being planned. As per the reports a huge, high-end Convention Centre will be built, after demolishing all the existing buildings including the Hall of Nations, Nehru Memorial Pavilion and the state Pavilions.

News of demolition of the Hall of Nations, two pyramidal pillar-less structures built by architect Raj Rewal and engineer Mahendra Raj that have been the landmarks of the fairground for over 40 years, created an uproar among architecture fraternity as well as heritage conservationists. For them both structures hold a monumental status. Court cases and protests followed. But the moot question remains: In the name of development is it right to demolish buildings of architectural significance? While changes are imminent in an evolving city, is glass and steel the way to go?

Looking back

What is now called Pargati Maidan was once known as Exhibition Ground. Starting from 1953, the place has organised several fairs. The Indian Railway celebrated its hundredth year here. Interestingly, the ground where the annual trade fair is held with much pomp and show, was once the battle control room of American and UK during World War-II.

In 1957, when the International Graphic Art and Printing Machinery exhibition was held here, it had temporary settings in pandals. But the most popular exhibition held here was in 1959, when theWorld Agriculture Fair was organised in this ground along with Indian Industrial Fair. It was a large scale exhibition and was unveiled by the then US President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The three-month-long fair, witnessed the participation of countries like China, Japan and the erstwhile USSR. India exhibited musical fountains, USSR stall displayed photographs of the Moon taken from space  and the US its industry.

Following the India-China war in 1962, fairs were put off for the next 10 years. After the lull, in 1972, the exhibition ground was given a modern look. All the structures one sees today, including the permanent state pavilions, were built then. The Hall of Nations and Nehru Pavilion also came into being.

By the year 1977, a team was formed under the Trade Fair Authority of India, who were responsible for every fair. Since then several fairs were held here, including Agro Expo in 1979.

In 1982, the fair was planned from 1-14 November, but was postponed a day before due to death of the then President of USSR  Leonid Brezhnev. Then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi inaugurated the fair, which then became an annual affair. Subsequent fairs were inaugurated by Presidents and Prime Ministers in power. Queen Elizabeth has also visited the fair grounds twice.

"On 1 January, 1992, it was taken over by a new organisation, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), followed by a momentum in its growth," said Sanjay Vashist, PRO of ITPO. "Since then there was no dearth of fairs ~ for watches, toys, technology and jobs. Footfall started increasing very fast. For instance, in 1994, around 60,000 people from India and abroad visited the fair."

Cycle of events

It was in November 2015 when the proposal to demolish the exhibition halls was first made by ITPO, under the Union Commerce Ministry. A convention centre was planned, which will include a hotel, parking lot and many other features. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the Lok Sabha, "As per preliminary details of Phase-I, it is proposed to develop 100,000 sq m of exhibition space and a 7,000-seater Convention Centre along with support facilities and parking space for 4,800 passenger cars. Other details, such as funding and schedule of completion, are yet to be firmed up."

Once it was confirmed that Pragati Maidan will be revamped, many prominent heritage conservation groups and architects have voiced against the move. Citing  cultural heritage, these groups, including INTACH, have jumped into the fray. In January, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the revamp. At the same time Delhi High Court rejected two petitions against the planned demolition. According to a report, the ITPO also urged the court "not to interfere with the proposed demolition, saying that the Rs 2,500-crore project would be a good development for the city" and that the proposal had been approved "at the highest levels, including the Prime Minister's Office".  Meanwhile, INTACH has also filed a plea against the demolition, which is to be heard on 24 March.

Why this uproar?

Building the Hall of Nations and the Nehru Pavilion marked the 25th year of Independence. It also showcased modern architecture to the world. Designed by architect Raj Rewal and engineered by Mahendra Raj, it took almost three years to build the pyramid type structure. Rewal drew inspiration for the Hall of Nations structure from Humayun's tomb, while the Nehru Pavilion was built low-scaled and humble in character, like the ancient Stupas. "The buildings were marked as images of progress and modernity in India. Their models or drawings were the talk of town, not only in India but around the world. The building structure is on display in permanent collections of various museums and galleries, including the Pompidou Museum in Paris, New York's Museum of Modern Art, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi," informed Raj Rewal's office.

The building is not only of architecture magnificence but also has an effective system of environmental control, thanks to its 3-dimensional structure, with solid triangular panels at regular intervals providing sunscreens. Once it was declared that Pragati Maidan will be renovated and the two iconic structures demolished, there was much hue and cry among the architecture fraternity. Raj Rewal argued that these two buildings were examples of architectural brilliance. At the same time, they were projected as icons of modern India,and so shouldn't be demolished. INTACH also pleaded and filed the case to stop demolishing these two buildings as they consumed less than three per cent space. "We don't have any problem with development, but in the name of development don't throw out your heritage," A G Krishna Menon from INTACH said.

Many architects have noted that there is sufficient space within Pragati Maidan and around the threatened buildings. Therefore, efforts should be made to upgrade these spaces with modern facilities and amenities.

To save this building architecture associations from all over the world, have started a campaign or requested Indian government not to demolished it. For instance, Arun Rewal started a petition on Change.org to appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to save the three iconic buildings from demolition. The Indian Institute of Architects, the Centre National d'Art et de Culture Georges Pompidou in Paris and New York's Museum of Modern Art have written to Nirmala Sitharaman, asking that the architectural sites be preserved.

"It is not that we have made a plea to declare this building as heritage when plans to demolish were announced, but much much before. Four years ago, we gave government a list of 62 buildings in Delhi to be declared as heritage buildings. They (government) said it was a good idea but they have been dillydallying it. Now they are ready to demolish," said Menon.

Recently, the court rejected one of the pleas, citing the buildings did not come under "heritage" because they were just 40 years old. As per the Archeology Survey of India (ASI) criteria, a building has to be at least 100 years old to get a tag of heritage building. 

"In countries like the Netherlands, France and Germany, the criteria is not age but prominence. After Independence there was a strong movement among Indian architects to give an Indian identity. Other than this building we are fighting for the National Science Centre building, India International Centre and many others," said Menon.

However, ITPO is not ready to buy their arguments and have gone ahead with their demolition work. "Firstly, archaeology aspects were not proved as per the law. There is no proof, therefore the verdict was in our favour," said an ITPO official. "Their other argument to leave alone these two buildings is also not viable because this is going to become a world class integrated exhibition-cum- convention centre. All the facilities and other activities, which are very conducive for trade promotion and promotion of the MICE industry will be incorporated there. Therefore, there is no talk of partial development and it is not possible."

On ground

Spread over 123.51 acres, the fair ground  houses 65,054 sq m of covered exhibition space in 17 Halls besides 11,623 sq m of open display area. The Maidan has an auditorium, latest exhibition complex, a man-made lake,  cafeteria, Hall of Nations, two more Hall ~ Hamsadhwani, Shringar ~ and Lal Chowk. But all these will soon be a thing of the past. Renovation work has already started and Hall No 1 has already been demolished.

As per the proposed plan, there are many exciting things in the kitty. The renovation plan will be worked out phase-wise. The first phase will end within 36 months (May 2019) and with the completion of this phase, the ground will be capable of hosting global conferences and exhibitions. According to the proposed plan, there will be underground parking, exhibition halls, new roads and a Convention Hall five times bigger in capacity than Vigyan Bhawan. Plans to redevelop include not just the exhibition grounds but the surrounding roads too, as renovation would increase the traffic too. One road from the Ring Road and another from Mathura Road will be constructed, which will lead motorists directly to an underground parking lot. There will be another route from Mathura Road that will also lead to the parking lot, which will accommodate 4,800 cars. While the plans sound good on paper, Delhi'ites will wait with bated breath to see what happens to their favourite haunt.

It was a fabulous week of dance, from Classical Kathak to traditional and contemporary performances. Kathak Kendra, the national institute of Kathak dance, celebrated its annual Kathak Mahotsava from 27 February to 1 March at Kamani Auditorium along with the morning sessions on “Baithaki Bhava” at the Kendra’s auditorium in Chanakyapuri. The Raza Foundation, in collaboration with the Astad Deboo Dance Foundation, on the other hand, presented Rhythm Divine-II: River Runs Deep at Kamani Auditorium on 3 March, choreographed by Astad Deboo and performed by the traditional drummers of Shree Shree Govindji Nat Sankirtan from Imphal, Manipur and Astad himself in his signature contemporary dance idiom.

Astad has been working with the artists of the North-East for the past 16 years. He earlier worked with the martial arts performers in the Thang Ta tradition of Manipur, and then with the Pung Cholom drummers when he choreographed Rhythm Divine-I in 2007. He loved to work with these young, vigorous artistes steeped in their own cultural traditions, performing with their instruments in a comforting cycle of familiar security. But this time he wanted them to change. He challenged the drummers in a different direction ~ that of a more open articulation of old fears through bold, new creative choreography that reflected in music and movements too, translating their restlessness and frustrations.

In the choreographer’s note Astad said, “The North-East is a heartbreaking amalgam of natural beauty and militant aggression, of lightning moves and glacial response, of the turbulence of politics and the calm pace of tradition, flowing one below the other, like twin rivers.” In Rhythm Divine-II: Rivers Run Deep, Astad conceived and portrayed this predicament in a free-flowing choreography that begins on a gentle note, reflective of ordinary life as it is lived in the North-East. Astad and the young drummers are seen together and then taking turns with a gradual build-up to the sense of insecurity and even fear, against which many people in the region actually live their lives. 

The build-up to the crescendo was gradual and powerful, with the drums coming in to play the tempo, now very slow, then gradually frantic, in a stark counterpoint to a prolonged session of form and content, where neither could be separated. Every time Astad creates a new work, he breaks his own record of brilliance and leaves his admirers spellbound. 

Kathak Mahotsava of Kathak Kendra

The annual festival of Kathak Kendra was based on old traditional compositions of Kathak, this year. The three evenings at Kamani featured some of the brilliant dancers and choreographers while two morning sessions on “Baithaki Bhava” at the Kendra’s Sabhagar, had senior Gurus like Kumudini Lakhia, Shashi Sankhla, Nandini Singh and Ashok Maharaj underlining the Abhinaya aspect.  Each evening had a Solo, a Duet and a Group presentation. After the Solo by Nandita Puri on the inaugural evening, Anuradha Singh from Bhopal presented some old compositions of Raigarh Gharana and Kumkum Dhar from Lucknow presented some special composition of her Guru Lachhu Maharaj. In Duets after the Dhuandhar Kathak by Mishra brothers on the inaugural evening, Malti Shyam and her disciple Shailja Bisht gave a sophisticated account of the art of Jugalbandi, right from the opening Vandana in Bhupali, to the technical aspect in Teentala and Abhinaya on “Chanchal chapal chatur naar…” in Raga Basant, set to Drut Ektala.

Samvad, the duet by Ameera Patankar and Avani Gadre from Pune, trained under Guru Shama Bhate, was outstanding in form and content both. It was an ideal Samvad, or dialogue, between Sur and Laya (Melody and Rhythm), exploring Kathak in its minutest details. The conversation between the two chiseled dancers unfolded through various compositions, in beauteous painting like movements in space. 

The imaginative choreography, set to Ganesh Taal of 21 beats, showcased them converse in the language of “Khali-Bhari and Aroha-Avroha”. The amazing duet on a rare Tala and unique concept, using a ten-and-a-half beats cycle, had perfect synchronisation in challenging off-beat rhythmic patterns, both the dancers had internalised with precision.
 For the expressional aspect, or Abhinaya, their dialogue symbolised child Krishna and mother Yashoda pleading with her beloved baby while the other Gopi admonishes Krishna to stop playing pranks and behave himself!

Among the group choreographies Guru Prerana Shrimali’s Vivaksha stood out. “Guru bin kaun kare…” by Guru Rajendra Gangani and Swayambhoo by Guru Jaikishan Maharaj, were like the usual predictive presentations by the students of Kathak Kendra.

I got a taste of the famed Sri Lankan hospitality on board the Srilankan Airlines as I flew to Seychelles. I was absolutely surprised with a delightful diversity of food and I must add that the airline has intelligently devoted time in picking perfect in-flight meals.

Gateway to Seychelles is the Seychelles International Airport, located near the Capital city Victoria, on Mahe, the foremost island of the Archipelago. It is a good idea to stay in Mahe and do day trips around. Mahe thrives on its tourism and tuna fishing and one can actually anchor close to the tuna factory. The local people are Creole and everyone speaks French, English and Creole. If you are an early riser, you should definitely check out the fishermen fetching in the morning catch. Climate permitting, the fishermen at Beau Vallon use a small pirogue boat to set their nets and then tow them right into the beach, where everybody waits to see the catch of the day.

Tranquility at its best

Do not also miss boarding a catamaran and head out to Cerf Island, a small island about four miles offshore from Port Victoria. You will be sailed out to Cerf Island and then relocated to a semi-submerged vehicle, somewhat like a submarine, that allows you to view the reef. Back on the catamaran, you can cruise down the east coast of Mahe to a whimsical beach at Anse Royal. Thesand is like milled sugar and a great place to swim. Situated 20 minutes from Victoria, is Le Jardin du Roi (open daily from 10 am to 5 pm) an expansive spice plantation. It is an exceptional opportunity to sample food preparations with freshly grown spices and fruit. The picture-perfect place for an enjoyable calming day out, filled with fantastic aromas, food and views.

A cruise to Praslin

After arriving at the Jetty in Praslin on a Catamaran, you can grab your bags and begin walking down the pier towards the main road to catch a taxi, bus or simply walk around. This is the second largest island of the Seychelles and 44 km north east of Mahe. Valle de Mai in Praslin is a world heritage site because of the coco de mer trees that grow exclusively here, also supposed to be the world's largest nuts. Rambling around inside is bliss for the senses…it's not known as Garden of Eden for nothing. If you are fortunate you can even spot a black parrot out there.

As you sail northwest to the world's best beach, you may catch a small bonito as you round off the peninsula just outside the marine park area. With the fish in you will turn to a corner and sight portrait perfect tropic beach scenery ~ Anse Lazio. With a fine sandy beach, incredible setting it's no wonder this particular beach was filled with tourists. Undoubtedly sunsets at Lazio beach rank with the best in the world and a sundowner just makes it tranquil to appreciate.

FACT FILE

Visa: On arrival and is free for Indians.

How to get there: Srilankan Airlines offers very good connectivity with absolutely brilliant hospitality and food on board.

Where to stay: Nestled in the Intendance Bay on Mahe Island, Banyan Tree Seychelles is 30 minutes by car from Mahe International Airport and 45 minutes from the Capital Victoria. Each spacious villa has its own private swimming pool and sundeck; some even have a private outdoor jet pool.