The Indian Weekender Friday, 23 October 2020

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16 INDIA Friday, October 23, 2020 The Indian Weekender NEWS in BRIEF Should India review its relations with Taiwan? China has reacted angrily to reports of possible talks between India and Taiwan on a trade deal at a time when there is a growing debate in New Delhi on whether the government should review its relationship with Taipei against the backdrop of the border standoff in Ladakh. India’s relations with Taiwan: India and Taiwan do not have formal diplomatic relations but since 1995, both sides have maintained representative offices in each other’s capitals that function as de facto embassies. However, in a sign of the sensitivities involved, both offices don’t mention the word “Taiwan” in their names. Taiwan has the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in New Delhi, and India has the India Taipei Association in Taipei. Indian trials on multiple Covid-19 drugs make progress, have Aatmanirbhar Bharat tilt At least two existing medicines that were repurposed for the treatment of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) have entered into phase III clinical trials that are being conducted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). This includes the antiviral medicine Umifenovir and a medicine that is used to treat blood infection caused by resistant gram-negative bacteria MW Sepsivac. CSIR has also been working with phytopharmaceuticals – or herbal medicines – including an antiviral AQCH, which is about to enter phase III trial. “We started a big clinical trial on MW Sepsivac as an immunomodulator and this trial has gone well. Phase II data has come out and now we are planning to launch the phase III trial. This immunomodulator will become a great support for Covid-19 patients. We are also working with phytopharmaceutical with AYUSH ministry. Today, our data for AQCH has come. This will be the first phytopharmaceutical to be evaluated with the modern trial approach,” said Dr S Chandrashekhar, director, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) that is coordinating the trials. Eye on China, govt to bar universities from pacts with India’s neighbours The education ministry, after consultation with the Ministry of External Affairs, is considering making it mandatory for Indian universities to obtain prior permission from the government before signing any memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with educational institutions of countries that share land borders with India. The proposal was mooted by the education ministry after an August 9 review of China-funded Confucius Centres attached to universities here and also MoUs signed between Indian and Chinese universities. The Confucius program is financed by the Office of Chinese Language Council International which has been linked to China’s United Front Work Department (UFWD) now headed by President Xi Jinping. Ostensibly meant to teach Chinese language and culture, the Confucius program has been accused of promoting China’s viewpoint and act as a vehicle for propaganda. Several countries including Australia and the US have previously had issues with the institutes. Plasma therapy may not be used on patients India is likely to remove convalescent plasma therapy from the National Clinical Management Protocol for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) after it showed no benefits in treating patients of the viral disease. Convalescent plasma therapy involves transfusing critically ill Covid-19 patients with convalescent plasma (antibody-rich plasma from patients who recovered from the disease) so that they can fight the disease better. “We have had discussions at the National Task Force (NTF) and we are discussing further with the Joint Monitoring Committee. "This (plasma therapy) may be deleted from the national guidelines,” said Dr Balram Bhargava, director general, India Council of Medical Research (ICMR). ICMR had conducted a pan-India study to determine the role of plasma therapy, and the Union health ministry had added it as one of the investigational therapies in the national protocol for treating Covid-19 patients. “The largest trial on plasma therapy has been done in India with 464 patients in 39 hospitals and 350 doctors. "This paper was accepted in the British Medical Journal and we have received the proof and it is going to appear very soon. It is a full paper with more than 10 pages of hardcore science talking about the role of plasma in curing Covid-19,” said Bhargava. BIHAR ELECTIONS: EC takes note of packed rallies, warns parties of action for flouting Covid protocols Taking a severe view of crowded rallies held recently in Bihar, the Election Commission (EC) warned political parties of action if its instructions on maintaining crowd discipline and taking Covid-related precautions during campaigning are violated again. The poll watchdog simultaneously instructed the Bihar Chief Electoral Officer and its district machinery in the state to “invoke appropriate and relevant penal provisions” under the Disaster Management Act, and the Indian Penal Code against candidates found violating EC’s orders. The warning comes in the wake of election rallies in Bihar becoming more crowded and supporters not wearing masks while in attendance. Large crowds have been spotted at rallies recently addressed by RJD leader Tejashwi Pratap Yadav and Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi. The EC’s guidelines of August 21 mandate that physical gatherings should be held ensuring social distancing of at least two metres between the participants and that all of them are wearing masks. The guidelines do not mention a limit on the number of people who can attend rallies and meetings and instead state that the maximum number of attendees should not “exceed the limit prescribed by State Disaster Management Authority for public gatherings”. “Instances of such public meetings have come to notice of the Commission, where large numbers of crowds have assembled in utter violation of social distancing and On India-US agenda, a plan to share defence intel from Ladakh to South China Sea The 3rd two plus two ministerial meeting next week will see both India and the United States consolidating military-to-military relationship between the two democracies to move towards institutionalised intelligence-sharing agreement and go beyond tri-services exercises into unmanned, space and underwater platform domains, people familiar with the matter said. On October 26-27, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper in national capital Delhi for the third round of the top strategic dialogue agreed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump back in 2017. The two sides are expected to sign off on a geospatial military foundational agreement called BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) that is a precursor to India acquiring armed drones such as the MQ-9B from the US that use spatial data for pinpointed strikes. The two sides are expected to build on past gains at the meeting being held weeks before the US Presidential elections on November 3, comfortable in the knowledge that there is bi-partisan consensus within the US on deepening India-US strategic relationship. There is a strong possibility that the two sides could work out a pact that allows institutionalised relationship between the Defence Intelligence Agencies of the two countries. India and the US already share real-time intelligence "The Commission has taken a serious view of the laxity on the part of political parties and candidates, on the ground, in terms of maintaining crowd discipline, and hereby reiterates and further advises them to demonstrate utmost vigil and care during electioneering the political leaders/campaigners are addressing the gathering without wearing masks in complete disregard of the guidelines/instructions issued by Election Commission,” the Commission said. “By doing so, the political parties and candidates are not only flouting the guidelines of the Commission with impunity, but exposing themselves as well as the public attending the rallies/meetings to the danger of infection during the pandemic… The Commission has taken a serious view of the laxity on the part of political parties and candidates, on the ground, in terms of maintaining crowd discipline, and hereby reiterates and further advises them to demonstrate utmost vigil and care during electioneering.,” t he EC said. Candidates and organisers found violating the poll watchdog’s instructions in future could face cases under Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and Section 188 of IPC, which deal with punishment for obstructing a public servant from discharging her duty and refusing to follow her order. With 7.3 crore voters, the upcoming Legislative Assembly election in Bihar is not only the first major electoral exercise in India since the Covid-19 outbreak, but also the largest anywhere in the world so far. through the communication agreement called COMCASA. But the new pact would allow the two allies to share vital tri-services intelligence on developments in all defence matters ranging from the South China Sea to Ladakh. This proposal has been hanging fire for quite some years without any results. Although BECA is still to be formally cleared by PM Modi’s Cabinet, the agreement will enable India to buy armed unmanned aerial and underwater platforms from the US. These would be loaded with neighbourhood terrain maps for pin-pointed destruction of acquired targets. The terrain maps will also help in precision flying of US made platforms acquired by India and hence enhance military capability of platforms like Apache attack helicopters and Chinook heavy lift helicopters. While a decision to acquire armed drones has been communicated to the US, the two countries are going beyond mere exercises and into hitherto unexplored domains like space and undersea.
The Indian Weekender Friday, October 23, 2020 ENTERTAINMENT 17 FARIDA JALAL recalls playing a romantic role in Aradhana opposite Rajesh Khanna; Says 'I was nervous' Veteran actor Farida Jalal has been part of some of several iconic films such as Aradhana, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to name a few. She has been part of the film industry for over five decades and has done over 200 films. However, many people think that Farida Jalal only portrayed mother and sister roles. But very few people know that she has played romantic roles as well. Particularly, the one that stood out the most was in Aradhana opposite late superstar Rajesh Khanna. In a recent interview with TOI, Farida Jalal has spoken about her acting journey, film industry and more. She said that before Aaradhna, she had done Rajshri Productions’ Taqdeer in 1967. Aradhana was her second film, she was happy about the fact that she got the role but was nervous about romancing on-screen. She further added, “In that romantic song in Aradhana with Rajesh Khanna ji Baago mein bahaar hai where I come out as a very coy girl, I wasn’t putting on any A Hindi film that remains special for everyone across the world is Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol starrer Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. The film is celebrating his 25 years today and on the occasion, fans across the world have been sharing memories associated with the special romantic film. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge was written and directed by Aditya Chopra and it managed to be a blockbuster back in 1995 and it continues to remain special for millions of fans across the world. act. I was actually feeling very shy. So to answer your question, yes I did nurse that thought. But it didn’t happen.” Farida Jalal had also taken part in the talent hunt contest along with Rajesh Khanna in 1965. When asked about her male counterparts like Anupam Kher and Paresh Rawal, like why do they still get to play various roles, she said, “They were cast opposite me. And now look at the fact that they have got to do a villain’s role, comedian’s role, lawyer’s role, doctor’s role. And their body language was so different in all. 25 YEARS OF DDLJ: SRK and Kajol's iconic film gets its own emoji to mark the silver jubilee On the occasion, Twitter India chose to surprise fans by launching a special emoji for it. Twitter launched a special emoticon to mark and celebrate 25 years of Shah Rukh and Kajol's DDLJ. The emoticon that Twitter picked also has a special connection with the film. Remember the cowbell in Europe that connected Raj and Simran? Yes, Twitter India used that to gift fans a special emoticon on the film's silver jubilee anniversary. Anyone who uses a hashtag related to #DDLJ, What haven’t they done? But what about the women? Why aren’t we given those opportunities?” Later, when asked about the ongoing drugs issue, she said that she is in a happy space. She loves the film industry and her profession, hates what’s going on at this moment. She quoted, “Creative people are much better off in the rest of the world.” And one of the most memorable films she has done is Mammo with Shyam Benegal. She revealed that the makers had told her that they had Waheeda Rehman on their mind, but later, she bagged the role. #DDLJ25,#25YearsOfDDLJ, #DilwaleDulhaniaLeJayenge and would be able to see the special emoticon on Twitter. Talking about it, Anand Gurnani, Vice President – Digital & New Media, Yash Raj Films Pvt. Ltd. said, "YRF is celebrating 50 years and DDLJ celebrates 25 in the same year - it’s an unforgettable once-ina-lifetime moment. We're grateful Shammi Kapoor birth anniversary: When the late actor forgot his lines while shooting with Madhubala Today marks the 89th birth anniversary of late Shammi Kapoor. Here's an interesting fact related to the legendary star that you should know about. Shammi Kapoor birth anniversary: When the late actor forgot his lines while shooting with MadhubalaShammi Kapoor birth anniversary: When the late actor forgot his lines while shooting with Madhubala Shammi Kapoor is often referred to as the blue-eyed boy of Bollywood or Indian Elvis Presley. The late actor’s films created quite the rage mostly during the 1960s. Right from Brahmachari to Junglee, Kashmir Ki Kali, and others, the legendary star won the hearts of the audience not only with his acting prowess but also amazing dancing skills. He once said in one of his interviews that he never learned how to dance and never had a dance master. But he was able to woo an entire generation with his amazing rock and roll jigs. Today marks the 89th birth anniversary of Shammiji. We wish to let our readers know about an interesting and lesser-known fact related to the late star. He had once admitted to having forgotten his lines after having seen the beauty queen Madhubala. Yes, you heard it right! That happened during the shoot of Rail Ka Dabba when he met the actress for and humbled with the volume of conversations around #DDLJ25 and through this special emoji being launched on this momentous occasion, we just wanted to gratify all our DDLJ fans worldwide by adding a little delight to their Twitter timeline. It’s just our small way to say ‘Thanks’ for their unconditional love, over the years!" DDLJ turns 25: Anupam Kher is proud to be part of iconic film Veteran actor Anupam Kher shared that he is proud to be part of the iconic film, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, which released 25 years ago on this day. In the Aditya Chopra directorial, Kher played the role of Dharamvir Malhotra, an NRI businessman based in London and father of the male protagonist Raj Malhotra, played by Shah Rukh Khan. The veteran actor recalled two of his popular dialogues from the romantic film and posted these in Hindi on his verified Instagram account. The dialogues are: Hum toh sab Hindustan mein fail huye, tune London mein fail hokar dikha diya..." and Mohabbat ka naam aaj bhi mohabbat hai, yeh na kabhi badli hai aur na kabhi badlegi... Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. "Proud to be part of this iconic film which completes 25 years today. Yes, your love has been a constant!! A big thank you!! JAI HO!! DharamvirMalhotra #Pops #25YearsOfDDLJ." Celebrating 25 years of the blockbuster hit, which cemented his space as a romantic hero in Bollywood, lead actor SRK tweeted on Tuesday: "25 years!!! Filled with gratitude towards you for loving Raj & Simran, with all your heart. This always feels special. #DDLJ25." The film's lead actress Kajol wrote: "Raj & "Hum toh sab Hindustan mein fail huye, tune London mein fail hokar dikha diya..." and "Mohabbat ka naam aaj bhi mohabbat hai, yeh na kabhi badli hai aur na kabhi badlegi... Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge." Simran! 2 people, 1 film, 25 years and the love doesn't stop coming in! I am truly grateful to all the people who made it what it is today.. a phenomenon and a part of their own history. "The fans! Big shoutout to all of you. #25YearsOfDDLJ." the very first time. This has also been mentioned in Shammi Kapoor’s biography by Rauf Ahmed. The late actor said that he could not take his eyes off Madhubala when he saw her. He also confessed to have felt like being hit by a thunderbolt. Not only that, but the Teesri Manzil actor was extremely nervous while taking the actress in his arms for an intimate scene. Shammiji stated that he was so nervous that he kept forgetting his lines post which Madhubala helped him out. Talking about Shammi Kapoor, the legendary star left for his heavenly abode on August 14, 2020, at the age of 79 years. Shabana Azmi, Raj Babbar remember Smita Patil on her birth anniversary Veteran actress Shabana Azmi paid tribute to the late Smita Patil, on the occasion of her birth anniversary. Smita's husband, actor Raj Babbar, and son Prateik, also took to social media to share emotional posts for the phenomenal actress, who passed away at the age of 31. "Remembering #Smita Patil on her birth anniversary. She went away 34 years ago but resides firmly in the hearts of cinemafiles," tweeted Azmi who, along with Smita, became prominent faces of the thriving arthouse cinema circuit of the seventies and the eighties. Veteran actor-politician Babbar shared a throwback photo of the late actress on his verified Twitter account and wrote: "An artist of incomparable genius, a person with such an emotional soul - fondly remembering Smita today on her birthday. You had such a short journey and yet your captivating presence is felt by all whose life you touched. Your influence has been so meaningful. #SmitaPatil." Her son, actor Prateik Babbar, shares a "Happy Birthday mom" message on Instagram Stories, expressing gratitude to those remembering the late actress on her birth anniversary. Born on October 17, 1955, Smita Patil was honoured with multiple awards including two National Awards as Best Actress (for "Bhumika" and "Chakra"), besides the Padma Shri in 1985. Smita breathed her last on December 13, 1986.
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The Indian Weekender Friday, 23 October 2020

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