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(1st) September 2020 1
(1st) September 2020 ! VOLUME 03, ISSUE : 09
CHICAGO, IL-USA ! WWW.ADBHHUTMEDIA.COM
PUBLISHED BY : ADBHHUT MEDIA LLC
Story on
Pages
4 to 5
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(1st) September 2020 3 WWW.ADBHHUTMEDIA.COM
(1st) September 2020 4
FRONT PAGE FEATURE
The West Coast is Burning
NASA’s images from space More than 360,000 acres have people, including a 12-year-old now lasts 75 days longer than it link between the blazes and the
show the full, devastating extent burned in Oregon, which has 35 boy and his grandmother in did in the early 2000s, according accelerating climate crisis. “The
of the West Coast wildfires. active fires. In Washington, Marion County, Oregon, and a to the state’s Department of fact is that TV news is
More than 85 significant wildfires meanwhile, more than 330,000 1-year-old boy in northeastern Forestry and Fire Protection. completely abdicating its
are ripping across the West acres have burned since Washington. “We are essentially living in responsibility when it comes to
Coast, burning hundreds of Monday — more than double the “The geographic scale and a mega fire era,”. The skies telling the truth of what the West
thousands of acres & causing state’s total from all of 2019. intensity of what is transpiring of the Bay Area and Northern is dealing with right now,” says
unprecedented burning in In California, multiple large is truly jarring,” Daniel Swain, a California turned a dark Leah Stokes, assistant
Washington and Oregon and blazes are spreading quickly, climate scientist at the orange as 90 major fires burn professor of political science at
exacerbating what has already including the nearly 176,000- University of California, Los in the western United States, the University of California,
become California’s biggest acre Creek Fire in Fresno and Angeles, wrote on Twitter. from San Diego to the Santa Barbara, and a researcher
wildfire season ever. Madera counties and the Longer, more intense and Canadian border. At least on climate and energy policy.
The fires have killed at least 12,600-acre El Dorado Fire in destructive wildfire seasons like seven people have died as a “This is climate change. It’s not
seven people, injured many San Bernardino County, which this are linked to climate change: result of the fires, which have rocket science. And when will
others, and destroyed buildings was ignited by pyrotechnics at As the planet’s temperature already burned 2.5 million the media start calling it that?”
in California, Oregon, and a gender-reveal party. rises, dry conditions and heat acres in California alone. The following images from
Washington. Satellite images of Between Monday and waves become more common, Despite heavy coverage in the space, captured by NASA
the blazes reveal their Wednesday, the West Coast increasing the likelihood of fires. mainstream media, however, satellites, show the scale of the
astonishing scale. fires killed at least seven California’s average fire season few outlets are highlighting the current blazes.
California fires burn record 2 Million acres
Record set early in the season as firefighters battle to contain several wildfires ahead of forecast hot, dry winds
said the most striking thing Debra Rios wasn’t home were destroyed in the remote
about the record was how when the order came to hamlet of Big Creek,
early it was set, with the evacuate her hometown of according to resident Toby
most dangerous part of the Auberry, just northeast of Wait.
year ahead. Fresno. Sheriff’s deputies “About half the private homes
“It’s a little unnerving went to her ranch property to in town burned down,” he
because September and pick up her 92-year-old said. “Words cannot even
October are historically our mother, Shirley MacLean. begin to describe the
worst months for fires,” she They reunited at an devastation of this
said. “It’s usually hot, and evacuation center. c o m m u n i t y. ” A school,
the fuels really dry out. And “I hope like heck the fire c h u r c h , l i b r a r y, h i s t o r i c
we see more of our wind doesn’t reach my little general store and a major
events.” ranch,” Rios said. “It’s not hydroelectric plant were
Firefighters struggled to looking good right now. It’s an spared in the community of
corral several dangerous awfully big fire.” about 200 residents, Wait
Wildfires have burned more power outages for millions. b l a z e s a h e a d o f d r y, h o t Mountain roads were filled told the Fresno Bee.
than 2m acres (809,000 The previous high was 1.96m winds predicted to raise fire with cars and trucks leaving Sheriff’s deputies went door
hectares) in California this acres (793,184 hectares) danger to critical levels in the the community of about 2,300 to door to make sure
year, setting a state record burned in 2018. the California coming days. Evacuation people. residents were complying
even as crews battled dozens Department of Forestry and orders were expanded to Firefighters working in steep with orders to leave. Officials
of growing blazes in Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, more mountain communities terrain saved the tiny town of hoped to keep the fire from
sweltering temperatures began tracking the numbers as the largest blaze, the Shaver Lake from flames that pushing west, possibly
Monday that strained the in 1987. Lynne Tolmachoff, Creek Fire, churned through roared down hillsides toward toward Yosemite National
electrical grid and threatened spokeswoman for Cal Fire, the Sierra National Forest. a marina. About 30 houses Park.
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(1st) September 2020 5
FRONT PAGE FEATURE
California fires rage
as winds continue
and power is shut off
Fire risk is high across
California, with two of the
three largest fires burning in
the San Francisco Bay area.
New wildfires ravaged bone-dry dozen others around communities on Monday as historic general store and a National Forest and forced
California during a scorching California. the largest blaze, the Creek major hydroelectric plant were the evacuation of the historic
Labor Day weekend trapping The fire danger is also high Fire, churned through the spared in the community of Mount Wilson Observatory.
campers and prompting the in Southern California, Sierra National Forest in about 200 residents , W a i t Late Monday night, the Los
state's largest utility to turn off where new fires were Central California. told the Fresno Bee. Angeles County Fire
power to 172,000 customers burning in Los Angeles, San It was one of many recent Sheriff's deputies went door Department told residents of
to try to prevent its power Bernardino and San Diego major fires that have displayed to door to make sure Duarte, Bradbury and
lines and other equipment counties. The US Forest terrifyingly swift movement. residents were complying Monrovia near the forest to
from sparking more fires. Service on Monday decided The fire moved 24 kilometres with orders to evacuate. get ready for a possible
California is heading into what to close all eight national (15 miles) in a single day Officials hoped to keep the evacuation.
is traditionally the teeth of the forests in the region and to during the weekend and fire from pushing west Cal Fire said a blaze in San
wildfire season, and already it shutter campgrounds burned 145.04 square km (56 towards Yo s e m i t e Bernardino County called
has set a record with two statewide. square miles). Since starting National Park. the El Dorado Fire started
million acres (809,000 "The wildfire situation on Friday from an unknown On Monday night, a Saturday morning and was
hectares) burned this year. throughout California is cause. it has burned 549sq km military helicopter tried but caused by a smoke-
The previous record was set dangerous and must be (212sq miles). failed to land near Lake generating pyrotechnic
just two years ago and t a k e n s e r i o u s l y, " s a i d Debra Rios was not home on Edison to rescue people device used by a couple to
included the deadliest wildfire Randy Moore, regional Monday when the order trapped by the fire, the reveal their unborn baby's
in state history - the Camp forester for the Forest came to evacuate her Fresno Fire Department g e n d e r. I n e a s t e r n S a n
Fire that swept through the Service's Pacific Southwest hometown of Auberry, just s a i d o n Tw i t t e r. T h e D i e g o C o u n t y, a f i r e
community of Paradise and Region that covers northeast of Fresno. department tweeted: destroyed at least 10
killed 85 people. California. "Existing fires Sheriff's deputies went to "Military pilots tried structures after burning
That fire was started by Pacific are displaying extreme fire her ranch property to pick up valiantly to land but heavy 41.44sq km (16sq miles )
Gas & Electric power lines. behaviour, new fire starts h e r 9 2 - y e a r - o l d m o t h e r, smoke conditions prevented and prompting evacuations
Liability from billions of dollars are l i k e l y, weather Shirley MacLean. They a safe approach, another near the remote community
in claims from that and other conditions are worsening, reunited at an evacuation effort will be made shortly to of Alpine in the Cleveland
fires forced the utility to seek and we simply do not have centre. evacuate the trapped people National Forest.
bankruptcy protection. To enough resources to fully "I hope like heck the fire in Lake Edison and China alifornia has seen 900
guard against new wildfires fight and contain every fire." doesn't reach my little Peak using night vision." wildfires since August 15,
and new liability, PG&E last Ly n n e To l m a c h o f f , ranch," Rios said. "It's not In Southern California, many of them started by an
year began pre-emptive power spokeswoman for the looking good right now. It's crews scrambled to douse intense series of thousands
shutoffs when conditions are California Department of an awfully big fire." several fires that roared to of lightning strikes in mid-
exceptionally dangerous. Forestry and Fire Mountain roads saw a life in searing temperatures, August. There have been eight
That is the situation now in Protection, or Cal Fire, said steady stream of cars and including one that closed fire deaths and more than
Northern California, where it is "unnerving" to have trucks leaving the mountain roads in Angeles 3,300 structures destroyed.
strong and d r y w i n d s a r e reached a record for community of about 2,300
expected until Wednesday. acreage burned when on Monday afternoon.
PG&E received criticism for September and October Firefighters working in steep
its handling of planned usually are the worst terrain saved the tiny town
o u t a g e s l a s t y e a r. T h e months for fires because of Shaver Lake from flames
utility said it has learned vegetation has dried out and that roared down hillsides
from past problems, "and high winds are more towards a marina. About 30
this year will be making common. houses were destroyed in the
events smaller in size, While the two mammoth Bay remote hamlet of Big Creek,
shorter in length and Area fires were largely resident Toby Wait said.
smarter for customers". contained after burning for "About half the private homes
Two of the three largest fires three weeks, firefighters in town burned down," he
in state history are burning struggled to corral several said. "Words cannot even
in the San Francisco Bay other major blazes ahead of begin to describe the
Area. More than 14,000 the expected winds. devastation of this
firefighters are battling Evacuation orders were community."
those fires and about two expanded to more mountain A school, church, library, an
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(1st) September 2020 6
OP-ED
The breakdown with China
India must hope for accommodation, even as it prepares for confrontation
On Monday night, India repelled past fortnight, there has been a both a cooperative and
- yet again - a possible attempt sharp uptick in rhetoric on both competitive element - and while
by China's People's Liberation sides. this was true, it is also now clear
Army (PLA) to intrude into Indian All of this indicates that the India- that the competitive dynamic is
territory across the Line of Actual China relationship has broken on the ascendant, and is
Control (LAC). This comes a down at two levels. The first is becoming sharply adversarial.
week after India successfully with regard to the border With external affairs minister S
resisted such attempts, and held management framework that has Jaishankar scheduled to meet his
on to strategic positions on the been in place for close to three Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi,
southern banks of the Pangong decades. It is clear that China in Moscow on Thursday, it is this
Tso. The escalation in tensions no longer sees the advantage of breakdown that must be the
in eastern Ladakh is not maintaining peace and tranquility focus of the discussion. Is it
surprising. With both armies, on the border - and is keen to the case that China has
mobilised in large numbers and maintain this peace only on its decided that it is comfortable
staring at each terms, after wresting territory with a hot LAC, and an outright
other in close proximity, it is but over which it has no legitimate adversarial relationship with diplomatic domains and that is so, it will help tackle the
natural that skirmishes will claim. This is unacceptable to India? If that is so - and the respond accordingly. Or is it immediate crisis - even though
happen - especially when one India, and rightly so. The second conversation will give the the case that China has read the long- term orientation of the
army, PLA, wants to change the is with regard to the broader Indian establishment a sense Indian motivations wrong, that relationship will still be troubled.
facts on the ground and force framework of the relationship. For of Beijing's mood - India has apprehensions can be allayed, India must hope for
India to accept a new reality. It is years, India has convinced itself no choice but to prepare itself and Beijing can be persuaded to accommodation, even as it
also natural because over the that the dynamic with China has i n t h e m i l i ta r y, e c o n o m i c , disengage and de-escalate? If prepares for confrontation.
Trump damns himself with his own words
Just two days ago, the Other expert analysis suggests
Trump campaign blasted an that between 70% and 99% of
Atlantic story detailing the US deaths could have been
denigrating language the prevented if those measures had
President allegedly used about been put in place two weeks
fallen American troops for its earlier. Instead, Trump spent
author's use of anonymous February downplaying the threat,
sources. "I think it's pretty clear tweeting that "the Coronavirus is
here that journalism was very much under control," that
abandoned," Trump 2020 "Cryin' Chuck Schumer is
communications director Erin complaining" about insufficient
Perrine said on Fox News, "that funding to combat Covid, and
journalistic integrity has to be in telling a South Carolina rally
question here when you have four crowd on Feb. 28 that the
off-the-record, anonymous pandemic was the Democrats'
sources who are trying to hide "new hoax." In March he would
their identities instead of standing push an untested and unproven
up to level such disgusting drug, hydroxychloroquine, to cure
accusations against the Covid, saying, "What have you
President of the United States." got to lose?"
Well, there's a new bombshell in a hyphenate, jaw-dropping. it down. I still like playing it down, "sociopath" to decide to put In April, he'd float the idea of
story out -- about other shocking "You just breathe the air and because I don't want to create a protecting his own re-election injecting disinfectant ("sounds
and consequential remarks from that's how it's passed," the panic." It's hard, if not prospects over the health of interesting"), and promise once
this President -- but there are no President tells Woodward on impossible, to wrap your mind thousands and thousands of again, "it will go away." In May
"anonymous sources" bogeymen Feb 7. "And so that's a very tricky around this callous and self- people -- and then essentially he mocked Vice President Joe
for the President or his campaign one. That's a very delicate one. serving calculation, wherein the brag to a journalist in real time Biden for wearing a mask. The
to blame. The damning words are It's also more deadly than even President admits to a journalist that he's doing it. sheer stupidity and incompetence
recorded, not secondhand, and your strenuous flus." -- one with deep credentials, and To put that in perspective, is mind-numbing. But when
you can hear them coming from That admission directly who has already written a best- according to just one analysis coupled with what we now
Trump's own mouth. contradicts what he was saying selling, behind-the-scenes -- from researchers at know, from Trump's own mouth
In excerpts from Bob publicly at the time and for weeks look at Trump's White House Columbia University -- the US to Bob Woodward's recorder,
Woodward's forthcoming new after, which is that Covid-19 was -- that he's actively lying to could have prevented roughly which is that all of this
book, "Rage," the famed no worse than a seasonal flu, that the American people about a 36,000 Covid deaths and 700,000 misdirection and obfuscation
Washington Post reporter (and it would soon miraculously deadly pandemic that will infections if social distancing was intentional, it's simply too
associate editor) reveals taped disappear, and that masks eventually kill, as of this measures had been put in place much to bear. I only wish
conversations he had with the weren't a necessary precaution. writing, more than 190,000 one week earlier than March 15, Woodward had shared this
President himself, on the record, He also told Woodward in March Americans and counting. when the US Centers for Disease revelation six months ago. It's
about the seriousness of the that he purposely misled the But it takes a special kind of Control and Prevention first that bad -- and as a well-
coronavirus threat back in public on the severity of the virus, (in the words of Trump's own issued guidance advising against respected journalist, he should
February and March. They are, saying, "I wanted to always play niece -- a psychologist) gatherings of 50 people or more. have known better than to save it
for a book.
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(1st) September 2020 7
OPINION
Bridging the power gap with China
The old framework of ties has broken down. It is time for India to develop a new approach
Foreign secretary Harsh Further, such a web of ties economic troubles. The other
Shringla said on September 4, would be a disincentive for India elements of China policy need
"We have an unprecedented to address the Jammu and greater consideration and
situation on the India-China Kashmir issue. Pakistan dexterity. These relate to
border, we have never had this decided to continue to rely on economic and commercial ties.
sort of situation since 1962". He essentially a three-pronged Currently, India's dependence on
demanded a reversion "to the approach: The development of some supply chains emanating
status quo that existed before nuclear weapons and delivery from China has strategic
such aggressive actions took systems, maintaining an implications. This applies to a
place". However, neither he nor effective military balance along range of industries such as
anyone else in government, nor LoC, and the instrument of pharmaceuticals. These have
official statements of military-to- t e r r o r. The overall to be reduced to a minimum and
military talks nor of diplomatic consequence of its India policy domestic production, as
engagements has given a in the regional context, admittedly general avoidance of has contributed immensely to envisaged in Prime Minister
comprehensive account of crude though not simplistic, is the developing cooperative Pakistan's impoverishment (PM)?Narendra Modi's
either the "situation" or how the following: Pakistan is to India what mechanisms including in the over the past three decades. Atmanirbhar (self-reliance)
status quo has been broken. currently India is to China. The commercial and economic It would obviously be necessary programme, has to be fostered
Details that have appeared in crucial word is currently, for while spheres. Significantly, in to avoid the pitfalls of Pakistan's on an urgent basis. Other
the media have been based on Pakistan's resource potential will 1996, the then Chinese India policy. Certainly, the use sources have to be developed
off-the-record briefings or leaks. remain permanently inferior to that president Jiang Zemin advised of terror or low-intensity even at a greater cost but the trade
Official statements have been of India, that is not true of India Pakistan to pursue the Sino- conflict in dealing with a larger door should not be shut.
imprecise. For instance, the vis-à-vis China. India has a lot to Indian model of relations - to neighbour, even if possible, is Greater and open cooperation with
ministry of defence statement catch up but it has the normalise and advance counterproductive. But there major countries equally troubled by
on the defence minister's wherewithal to effectively bridge relations in other spheres is a need to pay far greater Chinese aggressiveness and lack
recent discussions with his the gap which has grown over while addressing mutual attention to upgrade India's of respect for global rules has to
Chinese counterpart in Moscow the past four decades. This will differences. strategic programme to be actively cultivated. India must
held China responsible for the require a national consensus, Jiang Zemin's views were develop manifest deterrence give up its traditional reluctance
current difficulties for but it can and must be done. disregarded because the through a triad. The hardening rooted in ideology, bearing in mind
attempting to unilaterally alter As long the Pakistan-India- Pakistan army obviously felt of defences all along LAC to that it is too large to act as any
the status quo. Have these China power differentials remain that commercial and prevent Chinese adventurism power's subordinate ally.
attempts succeeded? If not, as they are now, it would be economic relations would give has to be undertaken on a priority Finally, the Sino-Pak nexus
what is implied by reversion as useful to consider Pakistan's India leverage to cause basis. This will require financial has to be addressed through
demanded by the foreign India policy. It is rooted in disruptions in case of open investments but that cannot be working on the vulnerabilities of
secretary? permanent confrontation and a hostilities and even otherwise. avoided despite the current Pakistan.
While the precise nature of
China's territorial
transgressions has not been
officially clarified, what is clear
is that Beijing's actions have
When politics dictates law
"transgressed the territory of The Sushant Singh Rajput case has shown the urgency of police reforms again
trust", as former external affairs
minister Jaswant Singh accused On Tuesday, the Sushant Singh campaign against her has the sanction of here is not who is right or wrong. The issue is
Pakistan of doing in violating the Rajput case took a new turn with the arrest of supporters of the party. It is, therefore, not the complete politicisation of India's premier
Line of Control (LoC) during the actor Rhea Chakraborty in a drug-related case. a coincidence that it is central agencies security agencies, which seem to act not on
Kargil conflict. And, this This newspaper has been critical of the which are at the forefront of implicating Ms the basis of evidence but primarily on political
transgression by China has been electronic media's coverage of Rajput's suicide Chakraborty in a range of cases. On the directions. India's governance structure, of
enormous and grave. - and the nature of the sensationalist conspiracy other are those who believe that Rajput's course, has a framework where the state
It follows then that India's China theories that have come to dominate police in the case of states, and other
policy, which was put in place in a case which should have triggered a investigative agencies in the case of the
1988 by Rajiv Gandhi and discussion on mental health. But it is Centre, operate under executive control.
maintained by all successive not just the media which is in the dock; Political oversight is important. At the
governments, is no longer valid the problem is with India's law same time, there is a desperate need
for its very premise was trust. enforcement apparatus and police for autonomy - for as repeated attempts
That approach rested on a agencies. Irrespective of the merits of at police reforms have shown, it is when
peaceful Line of Actual Control the investigation underway, what is investigative agencies are free of political
(LAC), finding a solution to the increasingly apparent is that all pressure that they can work fairly. There
border problem, and uninhibited central and state agencies appear cannot be any rule of law if those meant
development of India-China to be operating under political to protect and uphold the law cannot do
relations in other areas, including directions, for this case is now clearly death is being used to target the Mumbai their jobs independently. The Sushant case
trade. linked to politics. On one hand are those film industry and its leading figures, and is yet again proof that India needs to find
In seeking elements to guide the who believe that Ms Chakraborty is there is an attempt to muddy a normal ways to insulate its legal machinery from
formulation of a fresh policy, it is responsible for Rajput's tragic death. This police investigation in the matter. It is not political masters. Otherwise, driven by an
essential to admit the great view seems to have the support, if not the a coincidence that the Maharashtra state irresponsible media and partisan political
overall power differential between concurrence, of leaders in the Bharatiya administration in general is applying the law considerations, individual liberty will be at
India and China. A comparison, Janata Party (BJP) - and the social media against those who it sees as critics. The issue peril.
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(1st) September 2020 8
POINT OF VIEW
We Must Stop Being Witnesses To Manual Scavenging
Their families also suffer because of this practice is that the manual is eradicated. Movements like
of the stigma associated with scavengers depend upon their Swachh Bharat Abhiyan have
sanitation work, its health employers for a lot of resources. consistently attempted to
consequences and the losses Anyone who tries to leave this revolutionize the image of
suffered by the family in the event has to a face a lot of threats from sanitation in the country. The
of death. The children of manual the community. This leaves them government has brought in
scavengers pay a heavy price. A with no choice but to return to technology and policy changes
lot of children who enroll in their work. Some of those who to eliminate such demeaning
schools drop out at a very early are able to find alternate practices. There is still a long
age, often because they face employment also have to face a way to go as the complete
discrimination in the school lot of harassment. eradication of the practice of
premises at the hands of fellow In 1993, the Government of India manual scavenging requires
students and sometimes even enacted the "Employment of innovative technology, better
staff and teachers. There have Manual Scavengers and financial support to sanitation
Vijayasai Reddy million manual scavengers in been countless instances where Construction of Dry Latrines workers and fool-proof protective
Though India has made India, about 95% of them are children are made to sit in a (Prohibition) Act" which gear. This, coupled with
significant progress in human women. Households with dry corner in the classrooms with prohibited the employment of rehabilitation programs, will offer
development, there exists a latrines prefer women over men minimal interaction with teachers manual scavengers for dry alternative employment options.
community which makes its to clean the excreta in part and fellow students. Some latrines and also provided for the Education and providing requisite
living by carrying human excreta because they are paid less. children are made to clean the construction of dry toilets, that training for alternate employment
and is forced to service the Most women are paid only as school toilets instead of is, toilets that operate without a opportunities will uplift the lives
community's sanitation needs little as ? 20 a month along with attending classes; this leads to flush. It provided for imprisonment of the children belonging to such
because of an identity based on a meal everyday for cleaning a manual scavengers' children of up to one year and a fine. This families. In some states,
their caste. Manual scavenging dry toilet. having no option except to do was followed by the "Prohibition successful campaigns have
is an act of manually cleaning Apart from the social stigma, the what their parents have been of Employment as Manual effectively ended the practice,
and disposing of human and work of scavenging is poorly paid doing as they do not have the Scavengers and their empowering a large number of
animal excreta from dry latrines, and causes life-long health risks education for other forms of Rehabilitation Act, 2013", which individuals to live healthier, more
sewers and streets. Manual and problems which can employment. Even when they do acknowledged the urgency of dignified lives and find work that
scavengers by and large belong sometimes turn fatal for those possess the qualification to be rehabilitating manual is more satisfying. Such
to the most disadvantaged of the who risk entering manholes employed for a better job, they scavengers. In 2014, the campaigns should be launched
Dalit sub-castes; they face without proper protection. are not considered fit for the Supreme Court gave directives to in each state and nationally to
discrimination even within the Manual scavengers are also same due to their background. end manual scavenging. "In no highlight the ongoing practice of
Dalit community; it's been an prone to skin and respiratory tract Manual scavenging is a form of country, people are sent to gas manual scavenging and to seek
age-old daily routine for this infections, tuberculosis, malaria, forced labor because people chambers to die," remarked the the most effective way to end it.
community. and dengue among various other enter into this practice without Supreme Court of India in Those involved in manual
Manual scavenging is not just a illnesses. It is estimated that their choice and cannot leave September 2019. scavenging should be made
caste-based but also a gender- more than 600 sewer workers die easily if they wish to do so. The The government has to ensure aware of their rights and advised
based occupation. Of the 1.2 every year. main reason for the continuance that this form of modern slavery on how to leave this profession.
India 2nd Worst-Hit By Covid. Air Pollution Could Be Double Whammy
season is just weeks away. also the real possibility of air warning that smokers are more
Research has shown that air pollution increasing transmission susceptible to Covid-19. Oddly, it
pollution could be an important of the coronavirus: air pollution says nothing about the internal
factor that turns a mild Covid- can lead to an infected person damage smoking does to a
infection into one that requires acute coughing or sneezing. While person and any connection that
medical care. In a paper out this evidence of a direct link may have to Covid infections; air
month, Professor Michael Brauer of between Covid and air pollution pollution in places like Delhi is like
the Institute for Health Metrics and is still limited, there are smoking a pack of cigarettes a
Evaluation summarises the enough studies to establish day. t's hard to forecast how bad
linkages. Short-term increases in that air pollution increases the air pollution will be in the
air pollution reduces the immune susceptibility. Scientists from coming months. But anyone
response to respiratory infections. the U.S.-based Health Effects tracking t h i s i s l i k e l y t o
"Emerging research also Institute point to published expect high levels of
suggests the air pollution may evidence that air pollution pollution just as in the past
alter lung cells to increase the increases susceptibility to few years. How that will
number of SARS-CoV-2 virus tuberculosis and SARS. Air affect the coronavirus
receptors and increase the pollution is also linked to infections is not fully known
Chetan Bhattacharji double whammy once air pollution likelihood of the virus binding to conditions such as diabetes, (not to mention how millions
The number of cases in India has starts spiraling. receptors." Long-term exposure cardiovascular diseases and who've survived Covid will be
rapidly overtaken Brazil. The September 7th, the first to air pollution can lead to s o o n , w h i c h a r e now affected by rising pollution
weekly average today is tens of international day for blue skies permanent damage in the lung recognised as co-morbidities now). Air pollution is estimated
thousands of cases more than it day coincidentally saw clean air that weakens a person's worsening the outcome in to reduce life-spans by nine years
was on the first of August. Some in Delhi and much of north India, defences. The study says that an coronavirus patients. Indian in Delhi and 10 in Lucknow, and
expect it to cross 6 million cases clear enough to see the warning infection that might have mild officials have so far not put out across India by a little of 5 years
by the end of this month. But signs. This monsoon has been symptoms in a healthy person has any advisories on the Covid-air on an average. Now, the pandemic
that's not the only way it's going exceptionally kind to lungs here a severe impact in those with pollution link. Although notably, makes controlling air pollution far
to get worse. Scientists fear a with the rain and wind removing chronic lung disease. There is the Health Ministry has put out a more pressing.
pollutants. But peak air pollution
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(1st) September 2020 9
INDIAN-CURRENT AFFAIRS
Justice for Sushant? Far From - And This Is Why
By Ashutosh will go down in history as a story done to Sushant and his family
I assumed that after Rhea of great shame and a dark chapter and to get them justice in typical
Chakraborty's arrest, the of motivated, valueless journalism. Shahenshah fashion.
madness would end. But I was This saga began after Sushant The coverage by some of these
wrong. A new madness has Singh Rajput's death. Initially, it journalists has been an exercise
begun. A portion of Kangana was the tragic story of a promising in malice. It was apparent that
Ranaut's office was demolished life cut short. Suddenly, politicians there was some score to be
and a new drama has been from Bihar, hiding behind settled with the Maharashtra
birthed. Sushant's family and firing from its Government and the Mumbai
There is outrage about much shoulder, started weaving Police. And this settling of
injustice being meted out to conspiracy theories about scores was done in the name of
Kangana, and about fascism Sushant having been murdered. "justice for Sushant". Viewers
resurrecting itself in Mumbai. All of a sudden, Sushant's family, were fed wrong information and
The people making these who earlier seemed satisfied with fake news. Dipesh Sawant and Showik sentence in the remand copy:
allegations are the same who the Mumbai Police, lodged an FIR Finally, Rhea and her brother Chakraborty in this regard. "The present respondent used to
showed no sympathy for a in Bihar. Two charges were were arrested in connection with Therefore it is clear from the manage finance for drug
middle-class girl being hounded pressed in the FIR. One, it was on charges of procuring drugs statement that respondent is an procurement along with Sushant
for the last two months by three insinuated that Rhea and her and supplying them to Sushant. active member of drug syndicate Singh Rajput." So then he too
central agencies, added and family may be responsible for It is important to remember that connected with drug supplies. It was part of a "drug syndicate".
abetted by blood-thirsty TV Sushant's death. Two, Rhea and no drug was confiscated from is also clear from their statement t is clear from the remand copy
channels; these people rejoiced her family had siphoned off money either of them. The case was that the present respondent that Rhea is accused of buying
in her arrest as s a great victory from Sushant's bank account. The trigged by WhatsApp chats and used to procure drugs for drugs for Sushant, not of selling
for nationalistic forces. These transacted amount was said to be then Rhea reportedly told Sushant Singh Rajput for them or using them herself as
are people deluded that they are of 15 crores. Rhea was depicted investigators that she had bought consumption purpose." The last announced by some TV
delivering justice for Sushant. as a 'vishkanya' who had drugs for Sushant, allegedly line is significant. According to channels. Now the issue is when
These are people who survive on performed black magic on describing him as a "drug the NCB, Sushant Singh Rajput a chargesheet is filed by the
abuses, bitterness and hate. Sushant. She was the villain, he addict" for whom she "did was consuming drugs and the NCB, will it name him as the
But today, the narrative has was the naive hero who fell for her everything". The remand copy drugs were procured by Rhea main man in this dug syndicate?
suddenly changed. They have and paid with his life. Three central filed by the Narcotics Control and persons who were working Is this what Sushant's family
turned victims. They are now agencies and the Bihar Police set Bureau in court says "During for him at his residence. This wanted? Is this justice for
demanding democracy and out to investigate the matter like statement present respondent busts the myth proposed by Sushant? In a television interview,
justice. The story of the last few James Bond with supersonic Rhea Chakraborty revealed Sushant's family and TV Rhea pointed out that Sushant
months has been of the news speed as if the fate of the country about her involvement in channels that Sushant was being is now being remembered for his
business setting loose hinged upon this case. Let's not procurement of drug and manipulated and wronged, a demons and not for his promising
bloodhounds ready to kill in the forget the vigilante journalists who financial transaction and also her small-town boy brought up with career or his talent. Maybe think
mad race for TRPs. This story vowed to correct all the wrongs instructions to Samuel Miranda, good family values. Another about that.
So, Rhea's Arrested. Take A Good Look At Yourself.
second agenda: to do as much leader to also become Number One. health issues is dismissed as being middle class: the so-called
damage as possible to the Shiv Sena, Who is watching these channels? part of a murderous conspiracy Lutyens lobby, political dynasts
the former ally who spurned the BJP. It is not some faceless 'them' that against him. For all the talk of like the Thackerays, and so on.
The agencies have done what their we can all blame. It is us. People patriarchy and feminism, women are If this sounds bonkers to you,
masters wanted. Is it normal to launch like you and me. you checked out also enthusiastic supporters of our remember that there are many
an Enforcement Directorate Twitter recently? Say something version of the 'Lock Her Up' people who are deeply invested
investigation into an unsubstantiated vaguely sympathetic about Rhea movement. They smear Rhea's in this world-view. And if you
allegation that ? 15 crore may have Chakraborty and the responses will morals and demand that she be disagree with it, they wonder if
been transferred from one account to come flooding in. Some will be from punished. you are part of the conspiracy too.
another? (All the evidence now bots and paid tweeters. (One of the And if you go out of the charmed And secondly, the jubilation over
suggests that there was never a mysteries of this saga is: who has circle of the chattering classes, you Rhea's arrest tells us how much we
payment of Rs 15 crore into Sushant's established the fake accounts used will find that far from being shocked have regressed back in time and
account anyway.) Does the Narcotics only to tweet about this case? Who by what is happening, many become a primitive society where the
By Vir Sanghvi Control Bureau need to launch such is paying so many of the tweeters? educated (well, literate, at any mob rules, even if this time around,
By now, we have blamed everyone. a huge inquiry and make arrests in a Who is picking up the tab for the rate) people feel that a grave it participates by way of smart phone.
Our favourite target has been the TV case that involved (apparently, even glove puppets? But a surprisingly injustice was done to Sushant and It is like Romans watching prisoners
channels, revelling in their this is being disputed) the purchase large proportion will be ordinary that the guilty people are now being torn apart by lions, or like some
sensationalistic, exaggerated and of 59 grams of marijuana? citizens with genuine accounts. being punished. What does this modern version of bear-bating: a
often totally fabricated coverage of All of our indignation is justified. Many (but by no means all or tell us about today's India - or at lynching beamed live to our homes
the Sushant Singh Rajput murder Nobody can deny that. But here's my perhaps even most) will say, on their least, the India that watches TV and our phones by satellite and by
case. We have been appalled by problem: we tend to blame everybody bios, that they support the BJP and and goes on social media? 4G.
the anchors and have been shocked else except for the principal culprits. the Prime Minister. But let's not It tells us that large sections of The conspiracy theory view of India
by the way in which TV crews have Ourselves. forget that they are working men the middle class have bought a does not worry me that much. It is
surrounded and jostled Rhea The truth is that the public is enjoying and women with jobs, children, conspiracy theory of how things not unusual for a new middle class
Chakraborty. the spectacle and it wants more. One homes, families, etc. function. They believe that India to resent the old and to feel that even
We have blamed the politicians and look at the television ratings will tell And they spout the most vicious was run by an elite which had though it is just as deserving, it is
their agencies as well. We have you how this case is playing it out. hatred of Rhea. They are convinced money, spoke English, and made still not being given a seat at the table.
bemoaned the fact that there is a Even while anchors on other channels that Sushant was murdered (Rhea's the key decisions. They see this That view changes with
clear political angle to the way in huff and puff about Republic TV, not family will be painted as honey- elite as being good-looking, demographics. The children of
which the case has been handled. only has the channel solidified its trapping, drug-peddling, money- sophisticated and worthy of envy. today's angry, first-generation middle
Obviously, our rulers want to play position as the most-watched English grabbing crooks). The suggestion, Bollywood fits neatly into this class TV viewers will overcome their
politics to inflame sentiments before channel, its Hindi counterpart has now substantiated with much category. So do the other traditional resentments and feel more at home
the Bihar election. And there is a swept past the established market evidence, that Sushant had mental targets of the new, aspirational than their parents did.
WWW.ADBHHUTMEDIA.COM
(1st) September 2020 10
SPECIAL FEATURE
Kabul bomb targets VP, kills 10 civilians
(News Agencies)- A to those who suffered casualties Taliban spokesman Zabihullah
bombing in the Afghan capital on and those who lost their property Mujahed was quick to deny the
Wednesday targeted the convoy in the attack." insurgents were involved in any
of the country's first vice His spokesman, Razwan Murad, way, saying that "today's
president, who suffered minor called the attack a "vicious explosion in Kabul has nothing
injuries in the attack that killed terrorist attempt" on Saleh's life. to do with the Mujahedeen of the
10 people and wounded at least The roads in the vicinity of the Islamic Emirate," as the Taliban
31, including several of the vice bombing were closed off. call themselves.
president's bodyguards, the The Interior Ministry says the Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai,
Interior Ministry said. bomb went off as Saleh's convoy head of Afghanistan's negotiating
No one immediately claimed was passing through a section team with the Taliban,
responsibility for the bombing of Kabul with shops that sell gas condemned the attack in a tweet
and the Taliban quickly denied cylinders for use in heating and urged an end to the killings.
they were behind the attack. homes and cooking. The blast "Our people are desperately
First Vice President Amrullah ignited a fire that set ablaze a looking for peace," he said. "It is
Saleh suffered minor burns in the number of the shops. crucial to put an urgent end to Taliban.Washington has been travel to the Qatari capital of Doha
blast. The bomb was hidden in a The explosion left behind a scene the violence. The time for ramping up pressure on both for the talks but delays have been
cart by the roadside and of destruction - at least 10 shops excuses is over. The killings sides to get the talks underway. relentless. In recent days,
detonated as his convoy passed were smoldering in the aftermath must end," The U.N. chief's America's peace envoy Zalmay Washington, officials in Kabul
by. of the explosion that had also special representative for Khalilzad is in Qatar, where the and the Taliban have all indicated
Saleh, who is also Afghanistan's shattered windows of dozens of Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, Taliban maintain a political office, that they could get under way
former intelligence chief, said in nearby homes, some with doors said she was "relieved to hear" trying to get the negotiations imminently.
his first television appearance hanging off their hinges. Cars that Saleh survived the attack. started. The U.S.-Taliban deal allows for
immediately after the attack that were wrecked and debris was Lyons added that she was The negotiations, known as intra- the exit of American soldiers from
he was fine and had sustained scattered around. shocked by the high number of Afghan talks, were envisaged as Afghanistan. However, U.S troop
only slight burns. He appeared Earlier, the Interior Ministry's civilian casualties, mainly part of a peace deal the U.S. pullout, which has already begun,
in the TV footage with bandages spokesman, Tariq Arian, first bystanders."Perpetrators must signed with the Taliban in Qatar does not hinge on the success
on one hand. confirmed to The Associated face justice," she added. Both in February to end America's of intra-Afghan talks but rather on
"Me and my younger son who Press that the bombing targeted the insurgents and the Islamic longest war. At the time, the commitments from the Taliban to
was also with me are fine," Saleh Saleh's convoy. Akmal Samsor, State group are active in Kabul talks were cast as Afghanistan's fight against other militant groups
said. "I have slight burns on my spokesman for the Afghan public where tensions are also high best chance at peace after - such as the Islamic State group
face and hand from the wave of health ministry, said the 31 ahead of the expected start of decades of conflict. Kabul's - and to prevent Afghanistan from
the blast. I don't have exact wounded were taken to different negotiations between an official peace negotiation team is being a staging arena for attacks
details right now, but I apologize hospitals for treatment. Afghan delegation and the waiting in the Afghan capital to against the U.S. and its allies.
12 suspects arrested in Lahore motorway gang rape: Punjab govt
capture those involved in [the] meeting, Ghani said that children.Meanwhile, Minister for
painful motorway incident". "So command officers should Human Rights Shireen Mazari
far 12 suspects have been consider it as a test case and said that the ministry's regional
arrested and search is going on," bring it to a logical conclusion as office "immediately asked for an
she said.A statement released early as possible, the statement action report from the police".The
by the Punjab Police also said. "Irresponsibility would not ministry received the report as
confirmed the arrests and said be tolerated in arresting the well as a copy of the first
that 20 teams of Lahore Police social criminals involved in sexual information report (FIR) of the
and CIA, headed by the deputy violence and oppression," he incident, she added.Punjab Chief
inspector general of police said. Prime Minister Imran Khan, Minister Usman Buzdar vowed
(investigation), had been in a statement, condemned the that justice would be delivered
constituted on the orders of sexual assault of the lady in in the case."Justice will be done
Inspector General Inam Ghani to Lahore as well as that of a five- in the motorway case no matter
(News Agencies)- fault.Meanwhile, she got a call investigate the case. It said that year-old child, who had been what and those who tortured the
Punjab government from a relative in Gujranwala, who police were taking all necessary murdered and torched after being victim will have to suffer strict
spokesperson Mussarat asked her to call the police measures, adding that "no stone raped in Karachi, which surfaced punishment!" he tweeted.
Cheema on Thursday said police helpline for help while he also left will be left unturned to provide on Sunday. He summoned He said that the responsibility of
had arrested 12 men suspected from home to reach her. When immediate justice to the victim reports of both incidents from the providing protection and justice
of involvement in the alleged he reached the location, he found and her family".The police teams IGs of the provinces."The to civilians rested with the state.
gang-rape of a woman on the the woman terrified with her are "working day and night", the protection of women is the "Our manifesto is to create a
Lahore-Sialkot motorway. clothes stained with blood.The statement said, to identify the government's foremost priority society where, whether it's day
Two "robbers" allegedly raped the police official said two armed accused by gathering DNA and responsibility. Such brutality or night, women/children would
woman at gunpoint in Gujjarpura men found the woman alone, took evidence, geofencing, examining and savagery cannot be allowed feel safe whether they are alone
area on Wednesday while she her and her children to a nearby CCTV footage and Nadra in any civilised society. Such or with family."Information
was waiting for help on the field at gunpoint and gang-raped records. "More than half of the incidents are against our social Minister Shibli Faraz also
motorway after her car developed her, adding that police had suspects in the case are being values and an ugly stain on our condemned the incident and
a fault.A police official said as the formed teams to trace the investigated and raids are being society," the statement released vowed that the "wicked
woman crossed the toll plaza on culprits.Cheema said in a tweet carried out to nab dozens of by PM Office said.The prime characters who committed this
the Lahore-Sialkot motorway, her today that Punjab Police and former record holders in such minister also stressed on the heinous act will not escape the
car stalled either due to shortage related departments were incidents," IGP Ghani was need to strengthen laws for the law" and will be punished
of petrol or some "working in close coordination to quoted as saying. During a protection of women and accordingly.
WWW.ADBHHUTMEDIA.COM(1st) September 2020 11
SPECIAL FEATURE
America remembers 9/11, 19 years later
If you are of a certain age you endurance — 48 miles of aircraft hit the North Tower of the poses. love. Love never gives up, never
remember exactly where you marching with only two meals and World Trade Center in New York And our racial divisions are even loses faith, is always hopeful
were on Sept. 11, 2001. You six hours of sleep. We were City. A Marine yelled for us to more pronounced. We’re blinded and endures through every
also realize that our country is divided into groups of four and we come over and check out the TV. by anger, injustice and hatred. circumstance. I don’t ever want
in a much different place today couldn’t complete all our assigned When we saw the second Protests and riots have taken to experience another terrorist
than it was then. tasks without working together. aircraft crash into the South place across the country. Some attack. But don’t you wish we
Back in 2001 I was a newly The Crucible was one of the most Tower, we knew that it was no people seem to think that their could go back to Sept. 12,
pinned second lieutenant in the grueling experiences I’ve ever had. accident. We were under attack. voices can be heard only if they 2001? The day when flags
Marine Corps, commanding a But once it was over — and we That day our nation made a vandalize businesses or destroy couldn’t be found in stores.
platoon at Camp Lejeune, N.C. received our Marine Corps decision. We would defend our landmarks. People were Americans before
I was so excited to serve my emblems of an eagle, globe and country against terrorism and we Groups of people have been they were Black or White,
country. anchor — I felt a great sense of would do it together. demonized, and others have Christian or Jewish, Republican
I didn’t realize then that the accomplishment and camaraderie The unity that we felt in 2001 been misled into believing false or Democrat. On that day we
lessons I learned, particularly with my team. It’s something I’ll seems almost nonexistent narratives. People aren’t loved each other and served
about unity and teamwork, never forget. today. We face a common treating each other with civility, one another. We didn’t care if
would last a lifetime. They seem A year after graduation the enemy — the coronavirus — just grace, or love. In times like we ate Chick-fil-A, purchased
particularly relevant today, when unthinkable happened. We were like we did then. But we can’t these, the greatest and most Goya or wore Nikes. It was all
our country is so divided. playing war games when the first even agree on how big a threat it powerful weapon we have is about unity.
During boot camp, the drill
instructors broke us down and
built us back up. It didn’t matter
America now more vulnerable than at time of
where we came from, what the
color of our skin was, or what
political party we supported. We
Sept. 11 attacks-we need a forward defense
On the morning of September 11, 2001 a multiple tours in conflict zones there as sending troops off to foreign lands in
were just Marines. dear friend and former CIA colleague of well as in the Middle East, on the front wartime. Now the war on terrorism had
We were one unit, functioning mine was in Manhattan when Al Qaeda lines in the fight against terrorism. reached the continental United
in unison and depending on each terrorists struck our homeland and Sept. 11, 2001, was transformational for Sta t e s . T h e w o r l d i s e v e n m o r e
other for everything. When we murdered almost 3,000 innocent people me and my colleagues in the interconnected today, including through
were judged, it was not on how in New York City, the Pentagon and i n t e l l i g e n c e c o m m u n i t y, St a t e cyberspace. This makes America even
we looked, because at that point Shanksville, Pa.My friend was Department and military — and for our more vulnerable to attack. At the same
we all looked the same. We had standing on the street near the World entire nation.I recall my parents' and time, security precautions at airports and
the same uniforms and “high and Trade Center when American Airlines grandparents' generations, who spoke federal buildings, in particular, have
tight” haircuts. Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight of remembering exactly where they increased considerably since Sept. 11,
175 crashed into the North and South were when the Japanese bombed Pearl 2001.
There’s something special
Towers. Harbor and when President John F. One of the most critical lessons of the
about facing an obstacle,
Witnessing the deadliest terrorist Kennedy was assassinated. Today Sept. 11 terrorist attacks was that we
struggling and finding victory attack in human history had the most everyone in their late 20s and older need a robust forward presence to protect
together. The ultimate challenge significant impact on my former remembers exactly where they were on us, especially against threats emanating
was The Crucible, the final test colleague’s career. He later told me September 11, 2001. from ungoverned spaces. This includes
in training that simulated that th e images of innocent victims Al Qaeda’s horrific act of mass murder intelligence collection, diplomacy and —
combat situations by jumping from the towers to their deaths demonstrated that our enemies could when justified — military engagement so
emphasizing teamwork under remain seared in his consciousness.Up reach us in spite of the oceans that that we can detect threats and take
stress. to that point he had never served in South separated us from Europe, Africa and appropriate action to prevent terrorists
It was a 54-hour test of Asia. But he would go on to serve Asia. We had become accustomed to from striking us again.
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