Coins on Begum Akhtar

The Government will soon release commemorative coins in the denomination of Rs 5 and Rs 100 as part of events to celebrate the birth centenary of Indian Ghazal and Thumri singer Begum Akhtar. The coins will be available at a premium price determined by the Government for pre booking. The Rs 5 coin will be for general circulation and Rs 100 for coin collectors. To be organised by the Union Culture Ministry, the inaugural function of the Centenary Commemoration of the legendry musician will be held on Tuesday at the National Museum in Delhi.

Appointment woes

This Government will have to take urgent steps to fill up some important vacancies. The posts of CVC, and CIC chiefs are already vacant, and retired and “about to retire babus” are eying these posts. There is no full-time chief for the Enforcement Directorate, and the CBI chief will be retiring by the next month end. To appoint the heads of the ED and CBI, the Government must have a CVC. Before going ahead with these crucial selections, the Government will have to decide if the leaders of the largest party in the lok Sabha can be accommodated in place of the recognised leader of Opposition, who forms part of   these selection panels.

Jharu politics

For many ‘sarkari babus’, October 2 was a nightmare of sorts. They had to forego the National Holiday on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and sweat it out to clean up roads and pavements as part of the cleanliness drive launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Some babus admitted they were holding the jharu for the first time in their life. With so many jharus on display all over the country, guess who had the last laugh: the supporters of Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party. They could not have asked for more with their election symbol sweeping down the memory lanes of the common man.

Haider whoIJ

Addressing his maiden Press conference last week, IAF chief Arup Raha deftly replied to questions on all aspects concerning his service, but was stumped when asked about recently released film ‘Haider’, which is based on terrorism in Kashmir. When a reporter sought Raha’s comments on some scenes allegedly criticising the armed forces, the Air Chief said he was unaware about the film itself.

Surprise visitors for CJI

Soon after Justice Hl Dattu took over as Chief Justice of India last week, a delegation of lawyers from Karnataka descended to honour the CJI, who hails from the same State. A contingent of media persons who gathered for a cup of coffee with CJI at his invitation  were amused to notice the presence of  Karnataka HC judge Justice Kl Manjunath among the lawyers. He greeted Justice Dattu by offering him a traditional headgear. Many questioned the timing of his visit when some MPs have started a motion of impeachment against Justice Manjunath. Even the Union Government had opposed the SC collegiums decision for recommending his promotion as Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana HC on charges of corruption.

Targeting terror

The official website of the NIA has recently put a rupee mark against the photos of the accused persons. When rupee symbol is clicked, the amount of money against their heads is shown. This besides, a red symbol mark on the photos indicates that an Interpol Red Corner Notice is pending against the wanted person. The website hosts photos/details of 54 major wanted terrorists including 26/11 mastermind Mohammad Hafiz Sayeed and CPI (Maoist) chief Ganpathy. The rewards range from Rs 25,000 to Rs 15 lakh. The move, according to officials, has been taken to motivate the general public and seek their cooperation.