Ghulam & Azad
Though the Rajya Sabha witnessed normal functioning last week, yet it saw some fireworks too. First, there was a heated exchange of words between the Deputy Chairman P J Kurien and Congress member Satyavrat Chaturvedi over a point of order allowed to BJP member Subramanium Swamy following which an infuriated Chaturvedi asked the chair “not to behave like a headmaster.” On the second occasion, Deputy leader of Opposition Anand Sharma sought an apology from an Union Minister for who referred the August House as Augusta House. On the other hand, Swamy who was engaged ina bitter war of words with leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, took to social media to ask how can a man be both - Ghulam & Azad.
Bikaner House for rent
The Rajasthan Government has thrown open a portion of Bikaner House at Pandara Road near India Gate in the national capital for rent purpose. The spacious Bikaner House has long been housing the resident commissioner office as well as the State transport corporation buses. However, it is probably for the first time that any State Government has offered part of its resident commissioner office for organizing private exhibitions or parties at a price.
Homework
Criticized for taking long vacations, Chief Justice of India TS Thakur is not sparing any opportunity to impress others with the demanding life of a judge. last week, when a lawyer appearing before CJI referred to some judgments to make his case strong, Justice Thakur noted them down and said, “What do you think we do when we go back homeIJ We read only judgments.”
Tickets on Demand
Ever wondered how a private society like BCCI faces no hurdles in getting the entire might of the police force and civic agencies to ensure smooth conduct of a match in any city of the country. Explaining this to the Supreme Court last week, a senior advocate who represented Punjab Cricket Association said that every constable is given 20 free passes of the match. The bench headed by CJI TS Thakur said, “This itself shows how porous is your system. Can you put this on affidavitIJ” Sensing the Court’s mood the lawyer relented saying, “These are things of common knowledge which cannot be stated on affidavit.”
I&B outreach
Ahead of the second anniversary of NDA government, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting seems to be working hard to revitalize its communication strategies. According to Babus, if politics is a game of perception, effective communication helps in building favourable perception. For this, the working of information officers under Press Information Bureau would be polished by the Babus themselves, through structured interactions. “After all, the PIB officers are in the frontline of dissemination of information. Their communication skills need to reflect the transformation from the “Achche Din” slogan given by NDA two years ago, to its present catchphrase of “Zara Muskura Do,” said a Babu in lighter vein.
Agusta & KC Tyagi
The role of Tyagi brothers in Chopper scandal and lack of general knowledge of some scribes created a major embarrassment for senior Janata Dal (U) leader KC Tyagi when some ‘cub’ reporters asked him about his relation with the infamous Tyagi brothers. No prize o guess that the JD(U) leader really lost his temper. Even during the Agusta debate in Rajya Sabha, some MPs laughed looking at Tygai when name of Tyagi brothers cropped up. After this incident, KC Tyagi, who gives bytes to TV channels on each and every issue, is selective in talking to reporters.
Unfriendly CBI
CBI spokesperson Devpreet Singh has started a new trend to silence the beat journos who ask uncomfortable questions relating to the coverage of the sensitive cases like the AgustaWestland helicopter deal. The spokesperson, who is the group admin of the WhatsApp group of beat reporters, removes the journos from the social networking platform if they do not fall in line or toe the agency’s line in coverage of various developments. This attempt to muzzle the press comes after CBI Director Anil Sinha was recently given a dressing down by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the tardy probe into the VVIP chopper case.
Polish fashion show
Poland Ambassador Tomasz lukaszuk had a surprise waiting for everyone on the country’s National Day on May 3. In a unique way to promote his country’s product, the ambassador organised a fashion show to promote native gemstone Amber in the Indian market. The Amber stones and jewellery were also displayed separately along with Polish makeup brand ‘Inglot’ for Indian and foreigner guests to appreciate. The party became much more fun with the surprise items along with the usual food and beverages.
Remembering Pratap
Almost 14 years after the then NDA prime minister Atal Bihari released sets of Maharana Pratap Commemorative Silver coins for Collectors, the Modi Government will issue coins of Rs 100 and Rs 10 respectively of the 15th Century Ruler of India on Monday. last year, the Modi Government had issued a notification announcing various cultural and historical events to commemorate the 475th birth anniversary of the great warrior.