Saturday, December 27, 2025

Indian Medical Association calls for 12-hour nationwide strike

By
Tehelka Web Desk
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ima_logoAlmost 3 lakh members of Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for 12-hour nationwide protest (6 am to 6 pm) against the Medical Commission (NMC) Bill, 2017, that aims to replace National Medical Council of India (MCI). The bill is likely to be taken for discussion in the Lok Sabha on January 2.

The members of IMA describe the bill as “anti-people and anti-patient” and that it will open “floodgates of corruption.”

IMA has asked the outpatient department (OPD) services at private hospitals to remain shut, whereas, government hospitals will remain unaffected.

40,000 doctors of IMA Maharashtra chapter will observe the strike in the state. In Delhi, hospitals will not be shut but doctors can participate and decide to resume their duties in later hours of the day.

US suspends $255 million military aid to Pakistan

By
Tehelka Web Desk
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pakterroristThe US has suspended $ 255 million military aid to Pakistan for now, confirmed the White House, saying the fate of such assistance will depend on Islamabad’s response to terrorism on its soil.

The decision came following the tweet from US President Donald Trump on the first day of the New Year 2018 where he accused Pakistan of hoodwinking the US with “lies and deceit” in return for “33 billion dollars aid for over 15 years.”

“United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!” tweeted Donald Trump.

Reacting to the US allegation, Pakistan Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir-Khan also took to Twitter to reply, “Pak as anti-terror ally has given free to US: land & air communication, military bases & intel cooperation that decimated Al-Qaeda over last 16yrs, but they have given us nothing but invective & mistrust. They overlook cross-border safe havens of terrorists who murder Pakistanis.”

On the Trump’s decision to end aid to Pakistan, Union Minister of State (MoS) Jitendra Singh said, “Trump administration’s decision today has abundantly vindicated India’s stand as far as terror is concerned and as far as Pakistan’s role in perpetrating terror is concerned.” 

Pulwama encounter ends with recovery of third body of Fidayeen

By
Tehelka Web Desk
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Militants kill five armymen in Srinagar,Kashmir
Representational image

A day after Kashmiri Fidayeen attacked the training centre of Central Reserve Police Force in Lethapora, the operation came to an end with the recovery of the third body the Fidayeen.

According to reports, four Fidayeen entered the camp by firing at a patrol vehicle at the training centre on December 31 at 2:10 am.  

Two Fidayeen and five CRPF men were killed in the gunfight on December 31.

The martyred CRPF men have been identified as inspector Kuldeep Roy, head constable Tufail Ahmad, and constables Sharifuddin Ganai, Rajender Jain and Pradeep Kumar Panda.

Assam’s first draft of NRC identifies 1.9 crore as Indian citizens

By
Tehelka Web Desk
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assam_map

Assam has released the first draft of National Register of Citizens (NRC) that identified 1.9 crore people out of a total 3.29 crore applicants as Indian citizens. The names for the second round of the draft are undergoing the verification process.

As per the Supreme Court guidelines, the deadline of December 31, 2017 (on or before) was set to update and publish the draft of NRC for Assam.

Registrar General of India Sailash said that while remaining names are still under verification process, the next date to publish the draft will be announced soon as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court in April 2018.

Know about NRC

National Register of Citizens (NRC), 1951, is a record of names of Indian citizens being updated until midnight of March 24, 1971. The record is to identify existing foreigners or illegal immigration in Assam or anywhere in India.

Check NRC Status

To know whether person’s name is enlisted or not in the NRC register, he’she has to visit NRC seva kendras between January 2 to 31 2018, or can log in to websites: www.nrcassam.nic.in, www.assam.mygov.in, www.assam.gov.in and www.homeandpolitical.assam.gov.in.

One can call at the toll-free numbers- 15107 or 18003453762 or send text by typing ARN<space> 21-digit ARN to 9765556555/9108464438/9108464450.

 

Tete-a-tete with ‘The Walking Assassin’

By
Sabin Iqbal
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robin 1
Walking Assassin: Under Pravin Amre, Uthappa’s batting and character both underwent a transformation

Artists and revolutionaries are, historically, tempered by long, acrimonious summers and wan, biting winters.

The fire in their bellies may not die out but the radical manifestations of the iconoclasm go through a mellowing experience which transform them into radiant, sage-like emissaries.

Robin Venu Uthappa was once a brash bring-it-on kind of daredevil with a gladiatorial dash. He left the safety of the popping crease and walked to meet the fast bowlers on the up. Like swooning fighter jets, he zapped into the enemy camp, and caused destruction.

They called him ‘The Walking Assassin’.

He last played for India two years ago but has continued to score heavily for his franchises in all the 10 seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has the talent and game to play for the country in the short and shortest versions of the game but with a surge of youngsters knocking on the Indian team’s door, chances for Robin could be, realistically, slim now.

When he was younger, Robin was a bit overweight and often short-tempered, if not angry. But a few years ago as he went through what he calls a ‘deconstruction and reconstruction’ of his batting.

Under former Indian player Pravin Amre his character too underwent a transformation. “It (changing batting technique) was an arduous journey but it has changed me holistically,” he says.

At the age of 31, fit as fiddle — he has shed a lot of fat around his frame — Robin is still gung-ho about turning up for the country. “I should be playing for India but that’s not in my hands,” he says with a smile, which comes from a content heart. “I’m grateful for what I am today,” he adds as we sit down for a chat in Thiruvananthapuram. Robin has come to the city with the Saurashtra Ranji team.

Robin feels a lot lighter about himself than he used to feel five years ago. “There was a time when my progress as a cricketer depended on the failures of others, and I didn’t like it. I disliked myself… I was not at all at peace with myself,” he said. The stint with Amre has worked wonders with his outlook to life. “It had made me more grounded, and realise that we don’t own anything in life.” Marriage and becoming a father too have helped. “It has made me more settled as life became a lot simpler.”

He had wanted to quit cricket forever and go to some corner of the world and start life all over again. It was his girlfriend (now wife) Sheetal who encouraged him to continue playing. She asked him to continue playing for six more months for the reason he had started playing cricket. He stayed on.

Robin, who was part of the Young Brigade under MS Dhoni in the early 2000s, feels that cricket has changed dramatically in the last 10 years. He says that the IPL has transformed the game in India, instilling confidence in young players and offering them an opportunity to rub shoulders with international players. “We should thank the BCCI and IPL for such an opportunity,” he says. “The IPL is cross-cultural exercise, and it gives young cricketers an opportunity to work with players from different cultures. It has improved and sharpened our game.” Robin has played in all ten seasons of the IPL, and is now with Kolkata Knight Riders. The first Indian to score a 50 in Twenty20, Robin now thanks the low points in his life. “They push you out of the comfort zone, and make you accept any situation in life.”

Robin, who has worked hard on his fitness, feels Virat Kohli has raised the bar in batting and physical fitness. “When Paaji (Sachin Tendulkar) was batting it was magical, and now Virat is doing the same.”

Robin left Karnataka Ranji team this season after 15 years. “I wanted a change because changes and challenges will push you out of your comfort zone.” The food and culture in Gujarat are different from those in Karnataka. He was in talks with Kerala Cricket Association before deciding to join Saurashtra. “I wanted to join the Kerala team as I feel I could contribute a lot to this brilliant bunch of players,” says Robin, whose mother is from Kerala. He doesn’t say that it is the end of the road for his prospects of joining the Kerala team. “Who knows? We can’t predict anything in life, can we?”

Robin, who used to ‘walk down the pitch’ to fast bowlers, says Amre has deconstructed his batting. “It was not easy but I just trusted him, and he reconstructed my batting.” Robin has shown a penchant for punishing fast bowlers. “I enjoyed playing Brett Lee and Shaun Tait but I found Morne Morkel difficult to tackle.”

Robin is popular with cricket fans in Kerala. And, he obliges their requests for ‘selfies’ and autographs without any hangups. Someone who has played 46 ODIs and numerous memorable IPL innings, Robin is light on his shoulders.

Bitterness against the system, people around and with oneself leads to anger and strain. But Robin exudes a feeling of being light and radiant. He is quick to smile and easy to be with. “Difficult days make you more grounded, and you realise you don’t own anything here,” he turns philosophical. “I’m grateful that I am able to put food on the table for my family.”

Life has, indeed, become a lot simpler for the Walking Assassin. His fans still remember the ‘ramp’ shot he played at Oval way back in 2007 to take India home. Though one cannot say that his talent has not been fulfilled, Robin still has it in him to be part of Kohli’s men in blue. Robin has mellowed so much that he comes up with punchlines as frequently as his favourite over-the-head lofted shots.

letters@tehelka.com

Delhi’s 5-star hospitals: Much ado about nothing!

By
Charanjit Ahuja
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max Hospital2_0Celebrated playwright and bard William Shakespeare, in his classic drama Hamlet, said, “O villain, smiling, and damned villain! That one may smile and smile, and be a villain”. There have been complaints against many reputed private hospitals in Delhi-NCR but these five star hospitals have been smiling all the way to the banks. It is now that two of these top hospitals — Max, Shalimar Bagh and Fortis, Gurgaon — have met their nemesis and are currently under fire for alleged irregularities. Tehelka carried a detailed write-up sometime back on another hospital, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, when Delhi Police arrested 10 persons and questioned Apollo’s nephrologists for alleged involvement in an unethical kidney transplant racket. The wrong doings of the top ranking hospitals have often shaken up the collective conscience of the people, but the noise gradually dies down and the five-star hospital business continues flourishing.

In its probe report submitted to the Manohar Lal Khattar Government in Haryana on December 5 over allegations of medical negligence in the dengue death of a seven-year-old girl, Adya Singh, at Fortis Hospital in Gurgaon, the three-member expert committee has found that “withdrawal of life support by the hospital in the ambulance amounts to negligence and is against law”. The girl had died after 15 days of intensive care while the hospital had billed the family more than 16 lakh as the cost of treatment. The report says that “under the garb of leave against medical advice, the hospital disposes of the patients in an unethical manner when attendants no longer want to continue the treatment.” The report goes on to point out that “There is lapse, negligence and unethical conduct as oxygen was taken off and life support was withdrawn though the patient was neither brain dead nor in a vegetative state but alive as per the statement of the treating doctor. Hence the case is recommended to be sent to Medical Council of India for action while all senior doctors treating the girl should be held accountable.”

Haryana’s Health Minister Anil Vij said that the state government had asked the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) to cancel the land lease of Fortis hospital. He said that there were directions to inform the government about all dengue patients, but the hospital failed to do so and a notice had also been served in this regard.

The case also reminds the authorities of their failure to provide affordable and quality health care forcing people
to visit these five star private hospitals. A civilized society must be able to provide people affordable and quality health care.

In the case of Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, a panel formed by the Delhi Government has found that the hospital had erred in declaring a premature baby dead by not adhering to prescribed medical norms in dealing with newborn babies. The report in this case found that no ECG was done to check if the child was alive and the body was handed over without written instructions. The dead and the living twins were not kept separately. The boy along with a twin sister was born on November 30 and both were declared dead and handed over to parents in a polythene bag. However, just before the last rites, the family discovered that the baby boy was breathing. The infant later died after a few days at a nursing home in Pitampura. The police have registered a case in this connection.

The Delhi Government on December 8 cancelled the licence of Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, with immediate effect for alleged medical negligence.  Also, the keeper of the hospital has been directed to “refrain from admitting any new indoor patient and stop all outdoor treatment service in the premises with immediate effect”.

In a tweet, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that “we do not want to interfere in the functioning of private hospitals, but if patients are looted and cheated and the hospitals are guilty of criminal negligence, being a responsible government, we will interfere in such cases.”

Max Healthcare authorities, in a statement issued hours after the cancellation of the licence, said, “We have not been given adequate opportunity to be heard. We strongly believe that this ruling is harsh as even if there is an individual error of judgement, holding the hospital responsible is unfair and it will severely limit the ability of patients to access treatment. This will compound the shortage of hospital facilities in the national capital.” Meanwhile, the hospital has terminated the services of two doctors allegedly involved in this case.

How top hospitals are enriching themselves could be understood from the investigation by the Deputy Director General of the Competition Commission of India who found that Max Super-specialty Hospital, Patparganj, has been making 275 per cent to 525 per cent profit on sale of disposable syringes by abusing its dominant position to force inpatients to buy such products from its own pharmacy. The report also detailed how the extracting of such “huge profits margins” from inpatients was prevalent across all 14 hospitals of the Max group. The report, in fact, indicates that the practice of corporate hospitals making huge margins from inpatients is widely prevalent.

Shockingly, the Delhi Medical Council admits that a majority of the complaints it receives are against medical negligence. According to DMC president Arun Gupta, “about 70 per cent complaints are against private hospitals and the rest against government hospitals. In the last two years, we have received 521 complaints. While the direct reason cited is wrong treatment or unnecessary procedure, the underlying cause of complaints is often over billing”.
Significantly, the DMC receives one the highest number of complaints among all state medical councils.  In the last two years, 48 doctors have been de-registered from the council for different durations depending on the seriousness of their wrongdoings.

letters@tehelka.com

Modi, Shah hit a sixer

By
Charanjit Ahuja
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Suresh Bhardwaj BJP shimla

The BJP has been able to retain power in Gujarat and form the government in Himachal Pradesh following weeks of intense and sometimes bitter campaigning. Congress put up a credible fight in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home turf where nearly half the Union Cabinet had led a high-pitched campaign against the Congress and its newly appointed President Rahul Gandhi. When the results started coming out, it was initially a neck and neck between the two parties in Gujarat, but BJP bounced back with a steady lead. In Himachal Pradesh, where the government has been alternating since 1990 between the Congress and the BJP, the saffron party trounced Congress comfortably and registered a facile win in the election which recorded a 75.28 per cent turnout, the highest-ever in the state, though its chief ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal and state party chief Satpal Satti lost.

The BJP’s below-expectation performance in Gujarat can have deep significance for India’s economy. Prime Minister Modi had pushed through radical economic reforms such as demonetization and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) despite expected negative impact on people. BJP had set a lofty target of 150 seats in Gujarat. The Congress put up a good fight to what was always a tough battle. In view of tough challenge from Congress and with an eye on the 2019 general election, Modi is not expected to continue with his streak of disruptive reforms. While Modi is likely to shun reforms, expect him to take populist steps and do a lot of social spending — the measures that are seen to win votes.

After being in power for 22 years and faced with plenty of issues on the ground, expecting a BJP sweep was tough. In the end, the PM’s campaign obviously helped. Sure they didn’t sweep, but a win is a win, and to find faults with winners is the doing of sore losers. However, when it comes to an election in the state that reveres the country’s Prime Minister and is bound to have consequences for the next general election, it ought to be dissected and analysed owing to its enormous magnitude.

What was peculiar about this year’s Gujarat assembly election was that the BJP appeared to be the most insecure about its electoral performance in its stronghold since the time Narendra Modi established his hold over the state in 2001, that ultimately led to his elevation to the Prime Minister’s post. This time the BJP won the least number of seats since Modi took over the state’s reins as chief minister and established himself as its tallest leader.

Factors at play

Economic Woes

One factor that the BJP had been most anxious about was the noticeable anger of Gujarat’s predominant community, staunch supporters of the party, for the disruptions in trade and economy caused by demonetisation and shaky implementation of GST. The BJP left no stone unturned in ensuring its victory in Surat and Rajkot, the state’s trading hubs, that voted predominantly for the saffron party. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had visited the two cities, as had Textile Minister Smriti Irani, and interacted with traders that had led to calming down of tempers and reinstating the business community’s faith in the party. But what seems to have made the most difference was the GST Council’s announcement of reducing tax rates on 27 commodities, many of them pertaining to Gujarat, in October.

Now that the party has fallen short of the target, Modi might be forced to reconsider his economic reform strategy. Another reform like demonetization or GST will be too risky for the BJP as the 2019 Lok Sabha elections will start looming over the party soon.

Patidar agitation

Another issue that was seen as a threat to BJP was the agitation by the upper-caste Patidar community that constitutes almost 14 per cent of the state’s population and had been traditional supporters of the right-wing party. Violence had broken out in Patidar-dominated areas in August 2015 after a rally was organised by the community seeking quotas in government jobs and education, as the police had brutally cracked down on community members. This had led to widespread resentment against the ruling party in the community.

A charismatic Hardik, popular for his effective style of campaigning and holding rallies, is being portrayed as the strongest Patidar leader after Keshubhai Patel. However, despite attracting massive crowds at his rallies, Hardik couldn’t cause much dent in the BJP’s Patel vote bank. Hiss aggressive campaigning across Gujarat seems to have failed to make a dent into the BJP’s loyal vote bank. There was some affect felt in Saurashtra region with Congress winning Patidar dominated districts of Junagadh, Morbi, Amreli and Botad, which are relatively small districts. One of Hardik’s men, Lalit Vasoya, won from Dhoraji seat in Morbi. However, against high expectations, Surat city proved to be a damp squib for Hardik.

All Surat city seats including the Varachha Road and Katargam seats, where most of the Patidar agitation took place in 2015, went to the
BJP. Also, the agitation by the textile traders over GST and diamond traders over demonetization did not have any effect on the voting pattern of the electorate who are mostly BJP loyal. One of the key reasons why the Patidar anger, as projected by Hardik, could not convert into votes against the BJP was the force from another section of Patidars, mostly industrialists, who launched a campaign against Hardik and his claims that Patidars need quota to gain prosperity. This seems to have worked among the urban Patidars of Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Surat.

In north Gujarat too, the BJP has retained most of the seats except for a few in the flood affected Banaskantha and Patan districts. Hardik Patel failed to convince his own community, the Kadva Patidars, from voting against the BJP. The result of this election may have boosted the Congress but it is certainly going to blow the steam out of the Hardik’s Patidar quota movement.

IMG_1232The OBC-Dalit factor

OBCs make up 51 percent of Gujarat’s population. Dalit activist Jignesh Mevani who contested as an independent candidate from Vadgam constituency in North Gujarat’s Sabarkantha district, defeated the BJP by consolidating all Dalit and Muslim votes. The Congress had not fielded any candidate against him. OBC leader Alpesh Thakor won after contesting on Congress ticket from Radhanpur assembly constituency in Patan district, a seat the BJP had constantly won since 1998. The area has a sizeable population of OBCs, Dalits and Muslims.

The victory of the caste leaders against the BJP sends a signal to the party, especially as the Dalits and lower castes were agitated after the rising cow vigilantism that the party ruling at both the state and the centre failed to control.

‘Gujarat Model’

For the first time in several years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Gujarat model’ of development came under terse criticism in his home state. What started as a Facebook post by 20-year-old Patidar youth Sagar Savaliya, with the words ‘Vikas Gando Thayo Chhe’ (Vikas has gone crazy), snowballed into a full-fledged social media war with viral memes attacking the BJP. While the BJP’s campaign in Gujarat initially focussed on development issues, the party sensed the anti-incumbency factor against it and diverted the campaign narrative to religion and nationalism.

BJP’s tribal outreach

The reason the BJP still fared not too badly despite the tide of Patidar resentment is that the saffron party expanded its footprint in the tribal belt of South Gujarat. Scheduled Tribes such as Bhils, Vasavas and Gamits make up around 14 per cent of Gujarat’s population. This is a section of society too large for any political party to ignore.

While Adivasis do not necessarily vote as one single bloc, they have traditionally remained in the Congress camp. After all, the state’s only Adivasi Chief Minister, Amarsinh Chaudhari, was a Congressman.

The BJP has maintained a steady presence in the region but has always trailed the Grand Old Party. Among tribals, BJP has always been the laggard, but the party is planning to change that. In 27 tribal seats too there was not much difference in the tally of the Congress and BJP since 2012. BJP had 13 and Congress 12. The tally remained the same this time too.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi at Parliament on Monday-photo sunil saxenaRahul factor

Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi campaigned vigorously, crisscrossing the state to hold scores of rallies in what appeared to be a trailer for the next Lok Sabha elections which should be held before May 2019.

Modi held 27 rallies across Gujarat, while Rahul Gandhi attended 450 corner meetings, 50 public rallies and 27 closed meeting with target groups. The victories establish not only the BJP’s supremacy but also Modi’s apparent invincibility. Yet, it also made Gandhi, who recently assumed Congress presidentiship, a serious challenger as he appeared more confident in taking on the BJP stalwarts. The extensive campaigning by the Congress president seems to have helped the party in Saurashtra region which predominantly has an agri-based economy. His temple visits across Gujarat, however, failed to arouse sentiments of the Hindus, especially in urban areas.

The Congress’ loss comes on the heels of the upcoming polls in Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan and general elections in 2019 which might even be advanced. However, all is not lost for Congress because there is a silver lining as the party has increased its vote share from 38 per cent in 2012 to 45 per cent this time in Modi and Shah’s citadel. Rahul Gandhi taking over as Congress chief and his new found seriousness towards politics should serve the party well in the forthcoming Assembly elections in a few states.

The raising of issues like plight of farmers paid rich dividends to the party which has done well in the Saurashtra-Kutch region which shows it was able to convince rural voters which should be a cause of concern for the BJP. The failure to create jobs, GST, demonetization and lack of inclusive development apparently helped Congress to increase its vote share. The three young leaders — Hardik Patel, Alpesh Thakor and Jignesh Mevani — contributed to the Congress increasing its vote share.

Though Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP Chief Amit Shah are formidable opponents, Congress can hope to take on the saffron surge with the help of other opposition parties in the forthcoming elections. Rahul Gandhi already has good equations with the young turks of opposition parties like Akhilesh Yadav of Samajwadi Party and Tejasawi Yadav of Rashtriya Janata Dal. The tough fight given by Congress party to BJP in Modi’s home state is a clear indication that the forthcoming general elections and elections to some states would be well contested.

letters@tehelka.com

Rahul Gandhi — No more a reluctant Prince

By
Charanjit Ahuja
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10_JP_16_12_17_55“To be or not to be,” that has been the question for Rahul Gandhi, the scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family. Finally, he has arrived and emerged from the shadows of his mother Sonia Gandhi, who remained president of the grand old party for a record 19 years and won two Lok Sabha elections. Till recently, no one even in the Congress party took him so seriously whenever he took up a significant political cause. Reason, he could do the disappearing act and vanish from the scene like the phoenix riddle. To Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he was no more than a “shehzada” while to others he appeared no better than a silver-spooned reluctant prince.

Nobel laureate T.S. Eliot wrote: “for good or ill, let the wheel turn as the wheel has been still”. The wheel, it seems, has turned for Rahul Gandhi who was most visible in Gujarat. His clever alliance with the troika of Jignesh Mevani, Hardik Patel and Alpesh Thakor brought the elections alive. It was time for him to ascend the ladder. People in the India of 2017 no longer seem as loaded against the Congress as they were in 2014. Winning and losing are part of the political game. It is the will and stamina that matters and it is here that Gandhi scored brownie points. The prince is no longer reluctant to lead.

The challenge before Rahul is to overhaul the party machinery in time for the 2019 elections. This requires fresh ideas, creative alliances and a recouping of the goodwill lost in the fading years of UPA rule. Gandhi is now emerging as a key challenger to Prime Minister Modi. He is emerging as a fulcrum to engage smaller parties to jointly take on Modi. A proof of his strategy was visible in Bihar when the ‘mahagathbandhan’ edged past the ruling party in the country’s third-most populous state. In recent months, Gandhi’s public appearances have made people sit up and take notice as everything about him has changed for the better. The transformation was first noticed on his tour to the United States, where during his campus interactions he came across as a sober, intelligent politician who could communicate his thoughts effectively. However, he has been a revelation in the Gujarat campaign trail and has made a splash. He has picked up a few tricks of the political trade: one-liners. His ‘Gabbar Singh Tax’

for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the ‘vikas gando thayo che (development has gone crazy)’ jibes were trending on the internet. RaGa has a mountain to climb. Most essential tasks for him would be to inspire and re-build the party, to reach out to small towns
and villages and to create an army of workers. A tall order indeed!

Mercedes‑AMG 43: Product and Performance Overview

By
Tehelka Web Desk
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Mercedes is renowned for creating a performance-oriented driving machines. From sedans to roadsters, the power and handling are loved by the drivers. When Mercedes lovers lay their hands on its sterling wheel and press the accelerator, their heart skips a heartbeat.

The Mercedes‑AMG 43- king of the roads -has been launched to carry the Mercedes legacy forward. It comes loaded with a superb AMG enhancement that makes it too good to be real.

No matter, which vehicle you opt for, always add an extra layer of protection to your vehicle with the help of a vehicle insurance plan. Auto insurance policies in India are different from the ones we have in the US. Mainly, because of the different laws of both the countries. Also, auto insurance expectations are different of both the countrymen.

It doesn’t matter which vehicle you have, or in which country you reside, you must always get your vehicle insured.

Let’s get back to the features and performance of Mercedes‑AMG 43.

Features-Performance and Handling

Standard Features

Here are the standard features that come loaded in Mercedes‑AMG 43.

  1. AMG 2.0l Inline-4 Turbo Engine

Mercedes‑AMG 43 comes loaded with a powerful 4-cylinder engine. The 375-hp, AMG handcrafted engine is the highest hp/ litre thanks to no small part to an intercooled twin-scroll turbocharger. It pumps out a 26.1 psi boost.

Apart from the direct injection, it comes with super multi-spark ignition and various advances that are built to neutralize the friction. It is loaded with torque that rises to 350 lb-ft. In 4.1 seconds it starts 2,250 rpm, for a 0-60.

  1. ECO Start and Stop System

It boasts of an automatic ECO Start and Stop system, that shuts the engine during stoplights and whenever it is idle,in order to reduce emissions and save fuel. When the driver lifts the brake off, the engine restarts in a matter of seconds as a response to the immediate acceleration.

The ECO Start and Stop system can be shut off manually by the driver any time he/she wants to.

  1. 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT

The crisply geared 7-speed,dual-clutch transmission blends the AMG SPEEDSHIFT with a racing dual-clutch design. It allows for a faster and smoother, automatic change of gears which is quicker than a traditional manual gearbox. Its paddles shift, and rev-matched downshifts enable a quick and smooth response.

 In enhancement to the manual mode, it is loaded with 2 automatic modes- Comfort and Sport. In addition to that, it is packed with a race start launch function.

The durability and response of super synchros are enhanced by Carbon fiber friction linings.

  1. Shift Paddles

A twin set of paddles are positioned strategically behind the steering-wheel, which enable manual up shift and down shift.

  1. AMG Performance Oriented Braking System

Internally ventilated and perforated disc brakes disperse the gases generated, during repeated or hard application of brakes. It helps the brakes fade to offer high performance. Along with painted calipers, AMG logos grab all the eyeballs to 13.8-inch front disc and 13.0-inch rear disc.

  1. 3-stage ESP

Its multistage Electronic Stability Program offers various driving modes for various driving situations. With Electronic Stability Program on, engine torque is reduced, which helps rotate the driving machine back to the intended course of the man/woman behind the wheels.

Sports mode triggers higher drift angles in driving performance. The brake-intervention, as well as torque-reduction thresholds, are raised. ESP Off mode eradicates intervention and lets the driver directly express his/her skills.

  1. Smooth Start Function

When the race start function is activated by the driver, it enhances the startup revs and launches traction with perfectly timed auto shift for the super rapid acceleration.

  1. AMG Electro Power Steering

Advanced speed oriented electro-mechanical power steering, helps deliver a fast and smooth response and makes manoeuvring easier even at low speeds, with accurate straight-line stability and on-centre feel.

The AMG-calibrated design hands over the control of the chassis in the hands of the driver for inspiring handling precision.

Design

Here is the design that makes Mercedes‑AMG 43 stand out with pride.

  1. 4-Door Coupe Design

It is inspired by the trend-setting CLS. The flowing curves are connected with sweeping and crisp arcs that create a 3D sculpture. It comes with a frameless door glass, front fascia and taut proportions that define truly splendid, Mercedes-Benz.

  1. AMG Double-Crosswing Grille

CLA grille is a widely recognized icon. It’s not a mere icon; it’s an emotion that heightens the AMG double-crossing design. It is bold, it is wide and it is upright.

The matte-chrome adornments look magnificent set against a classic black mesh backdrop.

  1. AMG Body Styling

The aerodynamic lower bodywork faces the wind with a front apron that features large air intakes. The ripped off side sills and well-sculpted rear valance board features complementing inserts.

  1. AMG Performance styling

Exclusive detailed styling creates a visually aggressive CLA. Subtle contrasting metallic paintwork, the roof, trunk, hood and sides of the body are covered with matte grey AMG sport stripes.

Safety

Here are the features that optimize the safety of Mercedes‑AMG 43.

  1. Air Bags

It houses the most advanced system, loaded with 8 airbags including twin two-stage front airbags, front side-impact torso/ head airbags, twin front knee airbags, and side curtain airbags for both the seating rows, to ensure the safety of the driver.

  1. Active Brake Assist

Its hi-tech alerts based on Radar, notify you in case you approach an automobile ahead or any stationary objects particularly at a speed and distance which suggests a likely collision.

 The moment the driver applies the brake, Active Brake Assist automatically provides an adequate level of brake, so that a collision is prevented or its severity is reduced to a minimal level. In case the driver fails to, the system can initiate automatic braking up to 65 mph.

  1. Attention Assist

The first of its kind, Attention Assist monitors various parameters of driving behavior on a continuous basis. With visual as well as audible warnings, it’s capable of automatically alerting the driver in case any signs of drowsiness during long trips are detected.

  1. Rearview Camera

A live 180-degree view is displayed by a rear-mounted camera. The driver can see what is behind the automobile directly on the screen placed on the top of the dashboard.

The vehicle’s projected path as a driver turns the steering wheel is indicated by active on-screen guidelines.

In a Nutshell

Mercedes‑AMG 43 is a stunner in a true sense. The Mercedes club will surely get bigger and better thanks to the latest addition to the Mercedes family.

If you want a smoother and faster driver, AMG is your pick. You can opt for the optional features to get your beast customized as per your taste or needs.

After all, life’s too short to make any compromises.

This is a sponsored article

Saudi Game of Throne puts Indian workers in tight spot

By
tehelka
-

Saudi police recently arrested more than 200 powerful figures — including 11 princes, four ministers and dozens of former ministers and billionaires — in what authorities termed as an anti-corruption drive. But critics called it an attempt by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) to grab power as the prince has established his dominance, now controlling the national guard, military and internal security. Separately, the Gulf country’s proxy confrontation with Iran for regional supremacy has unexpectedly heated up, sending oil prices higher and adding to the uncertainty roiling stock markets in the Middle East. All these developments in Saudi Arabia, the second biggest employer of Indians in 2017 after the United Arab Emirates, may not only impact the present political and business equations between Riyadh and New Delhi but will also affect more than three million non-resident Indians living in the Gulf country.

Dubai-constr-workers

According to the latest emigration clearance data released by the government of India, a total of 32,995 Indian jobseekers, or 18 percent of the total emigration clearance of nearly 1.84 lakh, migrated to the Kingdom between January and June this year. But things are not the same as they were about a decade ago. Falling oil prices are hurting job opportunities in the Gulf country. Lack of new projects and the withdrawal of the proposed ones are leading to layoffs in workforce. Cold war in the region is adding to the woes. Bin Laden Group, one of the biggest construction companies in the Gulf, laid off about 22,000 employees from India earlier this year. Workers at thousands of other big and small Saudi firms are also being rendered jobless.

“The layoffs began in 2015 in the Gulf countries. Besides the oil crisis, the cold war between the Gulf countries is discouraging to new workers from India. Many projects in Qatar have been cancelled and the Government of Saudi Arabia has given the Makkah-Madina Project a break. Restrictions imposed on Qatar by the Gulf Cooperation Council, the looming war clouds between Saudi and Yemen, and the crises in Iraq and Syria are also discouraging new workers, and this is having an impact on the remittances received by India,” Mohammed Ali Shabbir, Leader of Opposition in Telangana Legislative Council and former minister of NRI Affairs in the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh, recently said.

Over three years, the Kingdom has been aggressively implementing the Nitaqat nationalisation programme, with industries replacing foreign workers with Saudi youths. In April this year, Saudi labour ministry barred foreigners from working in Saudi Arabia’s numerous shopping malls. Wages have come down sharply for expatriates. Like other expats, the revised visa regulations to promote the Saudisation scheme, aimed at adding more local jobs to the economy and addressing the rising problem of unemployment, have badly hit the Indians working or seeking employment in Saudi Arabia.

An astronomical hike in the ‘expatriate dependent fee,’ or family tax, is forcing thousands of Indians working in the Kingdom to send their families back home. Effective from July 1, the Saudi government imposed a new fee on all members of the expatriate families. Accordingly, for each member of the family, an expatriate worker has to pay 1,200 Saudi riyals (roughly 21,000) a year. The tax was just 100 riyals a year for a family. According to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics, there are one crore expatriate workers in the kingdom and 24 lakh dependants, who are now being viewed as a huge burden on the economy. One estimate suggests that each expatriate costs the Saudi government roughly 1,500 riyals a month in terms of subsidies on water, electricity, gas and other essentials. The Gulf country is likely to double the fee next year and by 2020, the family tax will be 4,800 riyals for each dependent member of the expatriate.

“The present developments and policy changes in Saudi Arabia are agnostic. However, as for any other expatriate, Indians are also adjusting to the changing market and regulatory conditions,” said Nisar Ahmed Khan, an Indian working with a Saudi research firm, while highlighting the complete Saudization of the cellphone retail market, the planned 100 per cent localization of general retail sector and reduction in number of expat healthcare professionals, etc. “These will have a direct impact on employment and income of the expats, including Indians.

Such measures, including 5 percent VAT, will force the medium income (SR5000 to SR7500 per month) Indians to send their families back home to avoid paying increased residency fees. In the mid to long run, many expats will leave Saudi Arabia as it would be difficult for them to bear the social cost of being separated from family,” Khan added.

India, which is the third largest consumer of oil in the world, must tread carefully amid latest developments, including the power struggle in Saudi Arabia. Both the countries recently vowed to work on elevating their relationship to a new level as the oil giant Saudi Aramco promised to make big investments in India’s energy sector and more business opportunities are expected to open up for Indian firms in the West Asian nation. “I am convinced that the world’s fastest growing energy consumer and the world’s largest, lowest cost and most reliable oil supplier, must elevate their relationship to a much higher plane,” Saudi Aramco CEO Amin H. Nasser had said at the India Energy Forum held in New Delhi in October.

India’s fast expanding economy, younger population and policy aimed at driving domestic manufacturing are expected to double demand for oil and triple demand for gas by 2040. If these permutations and combinations are highlighted and bargained properly on the table, things may start improving for the three million Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia and the overall 8 million people of Indian origin who reside and work in the Middle East. After all, they remit close to USD 35 billion every year that makes a substantial contribution to the Indian economy.

The Saudis, who have traditionally supported Pakistan with cash infusions, are now paying heed to India’s rising global stature. The Indian government, on its part, should wait and watch the ongoing transition in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, it should make sure that Indians there do not get caught in the crossfire. The safety of their jobs must also be ensured. As the new balance of power starts taking shape, New Delhi must review its foreign policy with focus on improving the condition of Indians working in Saudi Arabia. Till then, we have not much option but to keep our fingers crossed.

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