Now, Court Complaint Filed Against Web Series Tandav

A criminal complaint has been filed before a Delhi Court seeking action against the makers of Saif Ali Khan starrer web series ‘Tandav’.

The criminal complaint filed under Section 200 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) seeks summoning, commencing of trial under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, and punishing of the accused persons, alleging that the web series is provoking communal disharmony and is hurting the sentiments of Hindus.

The matter is likely to come up for hearing on January 23.

Complaint Vishnu Gupta, founder of Hindu Sena through a complaint stated that the director, writer, actors, and others have targeted the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

“The Tandav web series has without any legal justification shown the police doing illegal encounters of Muslims under the Government of Uttar Pradesh with the mala-fide and criminal intention to defame the Government of Uttar Pradesh and create an atmosphere of hatred between Muslims and Hindus,” the complaint said.

Complaint copy has mentioned the names of Ali Abbas Zafar (Director), Aparna Purohit (Head, India Amazon original contents), Himanshu Krishna Mehra (Producer), Gaurav Solanki (Writer), and actors Saif Ali Khan, Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub and Gauhar Khan as accused.

Earlier, an FIR was registered at Lucknow’s Hazratganj Kotwali against Amazon Prime’s India head of original content Aparna Purohit, director of the web series Zafar, producer Mehra, writer Solanki and others, for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has summoned Amazon Prime Video officials in India in connection with the controversy around the web series ‘Tandav’, sources had said on Sunday.

This comes after two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders alleged that the Saif Ali Khan-starrer web series ‘Tandav’ hurts Hindu religious sentiments. (ANI)

Sonakshi Salutes Mother Earth

Sharing an aesthetically pleasing picture of herself during the sunset, actor Sonakshi Sinha on Monday channelised her appreciation for mother Earth.

The ‘Dabangg’ actor shared the picture on Instagram that captures her from the back enjoying a picturesque view of the sunset while she is seated in a park.

The picture captures a beach and the sun setting over the sea which is just a few metres away from the place where Sinha was seated.

The ‘Akira’ actor went on to pen down an appreciation post for the planet in the caption of her post.

“We come from the earth… we return to earth… and in between we garden,” she wrote in the caption.

The post recieved a lot of appreciation from the fans of the actor and her fellow celebrities including actor Dia Mirza. (ANI)

China Ramping Up Border Infra, India Keeping Watch

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday said that it has seen recent reports on China undertaking construction work along the border areas with India and asserted that the government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India’s security and takes all the necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The MEA said China has undertaken such infrastructure construction in the past several years and the government too has stepped up border infrastructure which has provided much-needed connectivity to the local population.

“We have seen recent reports on China undertaking construction work along the border areas with India. China has undertaken such infrastructure construction activity in the past several years. In response, our Government too has stepped up border infrastructure including the construction of roads, bridges etc, which has provided much-needed connectivity to the local population along the border,” the ministry said.

It said the government remains committed to the objective of creating infrastructure along the border areas for the improvement of livelihood of its citizens, including in Arunachal Pradesh.

“Government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India’s security and takes all the necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the ministry said.

MEA’s response came after a media report that China has resorted to construction in border area in Arunachal Pradesh.

There were reports earlier of China having constructed three new villages near Arunachal Pradesh border.

India and China are in standoff in Ladakh for over eight months following actions of the Chinese Army. (ANI)

Mamata To Contest From Nandigram In Bengal Polls

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced that she will contest from Nandigram Assembly seat in the state election that is due in just a few months.

“I will contest from Nandigram Assembly. If possible I will contest from both Bhawanipur and Nandigram,” she said while addressing a rally here.

Suvendu Adhikari, who recently switched to BJP from Banerjee’s party, won the Nandigram seat as the TMC candidate in 2016. Traditionally, Banerjee has always contested from Bhawanipur.

“I will come again and again as Nandigram is my lucky place. In the 2016 election, I announced my election from Nandigram. Today also I came to Nandigram. TMC will win in 2021.

Mamata had swept into power defeated the ruling Left with a landslide victory in the 2011 Assembly election.

“If I make mistake slap me but don’t go away from me. Who will do that much work for you? If anyone calls me bad, I won’t let them,” she said.

BJP has been aggressively campaigning in West Bengal over the past few months with top leaders Amit Shah, JP Nadda visiting the state.

Elections to 294 seats in West Bengal are slated to take place later in 2021. (ANI)

Sehwag On Siraj: The Boy Has Become A Man

From losing his father days after reaching Australia with the national team to becoming a household name, life has come full circle for India pacer Mohammed Siraj. And applauding his heroics, former India opener Virender Sehwag said that Siraj has really grown as a cricketer in the ongoing Test series against Australia.

Siraj’s hard work paid off on the fourth day of the ongoing fourth Test against Australia here at the Gabba as he went on to register his maiden five-wicket haul. The Indian pacer has played three Test matches on this tour of Australia, and has returned 13 wickets.

“The boy has become a man on this tour. Siraj, Leader of the attack in his first Test series and he has led from the front. The way newcomers have performed for India on this tour will be etched in memories for a long long time. Will be fitting if they retain the trophy,” tweeted Sehwag.

Before the series against Australia started, Siraj had lost his father, but the pacer decided to stay back in Australia to fulfill his father’s dream of seeing him play Test cricket. Former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop also tweeted to congratulate the Indian quick bowler on his maiden fifer.

“It’s no consolation or small consolation. But given Mohammed Siraj lost his dad while in Australia and choose to stay on tour, you have to feel very pleased for him that he has ended the series with his first 5 wicket haul in test cricket,” Bishop tweeted.

After the close of play on day four of the Gabba Test, Siraj revealed that it has been very tough for him, but a phone call from his mother gave the pacer much-needed confidence to go out and express himself.

“I am thankful that I was able to pick five wickets as it was a very tough situation for me after my dad passed away. But after talking to my mom at home, I gained some confidence. The call with my mom made me mentally strong. My focus was to fulfill my dad’s wish,” said Siraj while replying to a query from ANI.

In the final session, with rain playing spoilsport, the Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill could face just 1.5 overs before the umpires decided to call for early stumps. India need 324 runs on the final day with 10 wickets in the bag at Australia’s fortress — The Gabba. (ANI)

No Canteen, Food Sharing As Delhi Schools Reopen

By Archana Prasad

Schools in the national capital strictly followed health and safety protocols on Monday as they reopened their gates to welcome students of class 10, 12 after ten months due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Precautions like no canteen, food sharing, assembly or extracurricular activity along with entry and exit through multiple gates, frequent sanitation, and shorter class hours were followed to prevent the spread of the virus.

The decision to reopen the classes for senior students came after the national capital saw a decline in coronavirus cases in the last few days.

Reenu Nair, Vice Principal of Delhi Public School (DPS) RK Puram said, “We are taking all precautionary measures. Today 10 months after school reopened, students were very excited, we were also very happy to see them. A total of 50 students were present in the school today and we took consent from parents whether they want students to come to school.”

She added, “Nurses and doctors are available. Three hours of classes for Class 12 and two hours for Class 10 students. No canteen, extra-curricular activity, food sharing, assembly, or assembly will happen. All classes are being sanitized after every class,” she further added.

Dr Bhagwan Das, Principal of Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalaya, INA Colony said, “We are happy to see our students after 10 months. We are following all the guidelines, every day after school will over all the classes be sanitized.”

“Every class will have 12 to 15 students, a total of 98 students of 10th and 12th are present in class today. 44 students in class 12 are present and 54 students from class 10. We have been in constant contact with parents. The syllabus has been completed, students have doubts which need to be cleared out. For practicals, it is important to come to school because it can’t be done virtually,” Das added.

The students were elated and looked excited to get back to school after a long break of 10 months.

Jigyasa, a student of class 12 student said, “I was very excited to join my school. We were a little worried about the COVID-19 situation but at the same time pressure is building for our upcoming exams in May. We are getting full support from our school, teachers are taking care of all the precautions.”

Deepanshu Mittal another Class 12 student said, “There were many doubts which couldn’t be cleared in online classes. Parents were scared to send me to school but the school has given us all the facilities and we are feeling very safe here. We are following all the guidelines.” (ANI)

Imran Under Pressure To Quit By Jan 31, Claims PML(N)

Rejecting the claims about the federal government’s pressure on the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb has said it is Prime Minister Imran Khan who is under “immense pressure” from the 11-party opposition alliance to resign by January 31.

The PML-N spokesperson said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ministers are making “a hue and cry” as the Pakistani citizens are standing with the opposition parties in a bid to oust Imran Khan, Dawn reported.

“Due to PDM movement to get the resignation of the ‘incompetent’ government, the PTI ministers are making a hue and cry as the people supported the stance of the opposition,” Marriyum told reporters on Sunday after an organisational meeting of the party, as quoted by Dawn.

This comes as PDM is set to plan a protest outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against a foreign funding case in 2014. PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz would lead a rally from Rawalpindi on that day, said the PML-N spokesperson.

“On January 19, lawyers, doctors, nurses and farmers will all have to leave their homes and join PDM (protest),” she said. Furthermore, Marriyum stated that the deadline for the resignation of the “selected government” was January 31.

“Setting the date of the foreign funding case on Feb 13 is a result of our pressure. I hope the Election Commission will not come under pressure to make a decision in the case,” she added.

Last week, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had asserted that the only way to remove Prime Minister Imran Khan and his government was to table a no-confidence motion.

Bilawal had vowed to convince the members of the PDM on the strategy, while also calling on the premier to voluntarily step down because of his “failure at all fronts,” Dawn reported.

“It is the only way out… We are not anarchists. We believe in democracy and legal process. This is the only way out, I think. We need to go through the parliament for every move,” he said at the press conference.

“We will try to bring the PDM and allied parties on one page on this option. We believe in democratic norms and this is why we always resist the role of the establishment in making or breaking governments,” Bilawal added. (ANI)

J-20 Stealth Fighter: China’s Most Prized Flying Machine

China, particularly the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), is extremely proud of its beefy J-20 stealth fighter. Significantly, the aircraft recently celebrated its tenth birthday as a flying machine within the world’s third-largest air force, though it remains one of the world’s most enigmatic fighters.

Kept under tight secrecy, the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC) fighter achieved its maiden flight on 11 January 2011, while US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates was in China on an official visit. Taking him by surprise, he later admitted that US intelligence agencies underestimated China’s ability to develop a new-generation fighter.

The J-20 formally entered PLAAF service in 2017, the same year the US military began deploying F-35 fighters to Japan. The first combat unit to adopt it from late 2018 or early 2019 was the 9th Air Brigade at Wuhu in the Eastern Theater Command. This base is some 280km inland from Shanghai, and hosts one of the PLAAF’s premier fighter units. The J-20’s first deployment to the Eastern Theater Command emphasizes the strategic priority that the PLA places on Taiwan. This command also counters Japan and the USA.

Prior to that, the J-20 was only deployed in two units dedicated to operational evaluation and tactical training (the 176th Air Brigade at Dingxin Air Base and 172nd Air Brigade at Cangzhou Air Base, respectively).

At least 40 J-20s have been produced so far, but certainly no more than 60-70. It is alleged that CAC set up a fourth J-20 production line in 2019, each line able to produce one fighter per month. At this rate, the J-20 should approach total production numbers of the American F-22 by 2027. This would amount to at least 200 fighters, making it the world’s second-most common stealth fighter behind the F-35.

The 20.8m-long J-20 aircraft is intended as an air superiority fighter able to compete with the American-built F-22 or F-35. The J-20 has achieved a credible combat capability, maturing over its ten-year lifespan. It is typical for China to continuously update an interim product with fairly rapid spiral development, and this is true of the J-20.

Indeed, it continues to grow in capability. Its weapon suite will expand beyond the 200km-range PL-15 beyond-visual-range missile and the shorter-range PL-10. It cannot currently carry the 400km-range PL-X very long-range missile that has so far appeared only on the Flanker family and JH-7/A.

A new and smaller beyond-visual-range missile could increase the payload from four missiles to six in the ventral weapon bay. A relatively recent scale model features a right-shoulder protrusion, which could indicate an internal gun will soon be fitted too. Also expected are a small-diameter strike weapon and a cruise missile.

The fighter’s sensors should improve as well. However, arguably the greatest enhancement will be WS15 engines, for which the J-20 was specifically designed for maximum maneuverability and supercruising (sustained supersonic flight).

Thus, the Pentagon in its 2020 report on China’s military stated: “…The PLAAF is preparing upgrades for the J-20, which may include increasing the number of air-to-air missiles the fighter can carry in its low-observable configuration, installing thrust-vectoring engine nozzles, and adding supercruise capability by installing higher-thrust indigenous WS15 engines.”

It is believed the Russian AL-31FN engines have not been fitted on the production line since mid-2019, with preference being given to the indigenous WS10 engine, which is also used on the J-10 fighter.

The South China Morning Post published an article in July 2020 claiming an updated J-20B had been unveiled to senior military leaders and that military production was starting. It said the major improvement was the inclusion of thrust vector control, which improves the aircraft’s agility. Later, pictures on the internet last October showed the J-20 fitted with WS10C engines with serrated afterburner nozzles.

Production of WS10C-powered J-20s will continue, but even the WS10 is just an interim step. As confirmed by the Pentagon, the ultimate engine destined for the J-20 is the WS15 to help the aircraft achieve its ideal kinematic performance. However, the WS15 failed its final evaluation in 2019, and the COVID-19 pandemic is known to have impacted its development too. Developing reliable jet engines has always been a technological thorn in China’s side, forcing it to import from Russia in the interim.

Recently, an Aviation Corporation of China (AVIC) computer-generated image showed a twin-seat version of the J-20, underscoring that such a variant will probably appear one day too. If correct, this would be the world’s first twin-seat stealth fighter, as Russia and the USA only operate single-seat stealth fighters. Usually, only strike or fighter-bomber aircraft have a two-man crew.

Apart from this aforementioned image, there has been scant evidence of a dual-seat J-20 so far. Nonetheless, it would be suitable for controlling a loyal wingman or drones, and some even contend it could act as a “spotter” for Chinese long-range anti-ship missiles to improve the kill chain. However, the latter would seem to be a task better suited to the DR-8 supersonic stealth drone unveiled in the 2019 Beijing parade.

So how does the J-20 rate compared to its peers from Russia and the USA? Given the cloak of secrecy surrounding this Chinese platform and the absence of any combat, it is an almost impossible question to satisfactorily answer.

Andreas Rupprecht, a German expert on the PLAAF, was asked the same question about the J-20’s performance by the online aviation website Hush Kit. He declined to give a direct assessment, but did say: “I’m convinced that the F-22 was actually the benchmark for CAC, but I’m also convinced that it was clear to CAC that developing a twin-engine heavy fighter and a stealth aircraft for the first time after the J-10 would be a huge challenge. All of this is coupled with the knowledge that one has hardly any experience in this area and, above all, that the engines will still only be temporary solutions.”

Rupprecht continued, “On the other hand, it has been around 15 years since development of the F-22, and a lot has happened in China in the area of electronics, sensors and materials since then. But it’s important to note that the predecessor of the J-20 in PLAAF service is the Flanker and this came from a completely different period, was for a completely different requirement and was designed by a company with vastly more experience. So in conclusion, I’m sure the J-20 is no worse than a J-11B in all areas of performance, but certainly – especially with the current interim engines – it does not come close to an F-22. I do not presume to make any further judgment.”

Despite the greater capabilities of the J-20, the type makes up less than several percent of the total PLAAF combat fleet. Most Chinese fighters are still quite dated. The Pentagon’s 2020 report stated: “The PLAAF and PLA Navy (PLAN) Aviation continue to field greater numbers of fourth-generation aircraft (now more than 800 of 1,500 total operational fighters, not including trainers) and probably will become a majority fourth-generation force within the next several years.”

Of course, the J-20 is not China’s only stealth fighter. There also exists the FC-31 that first flew in October 2012. It was rejected by the PLAAF in favor of the J-20, but Shenyang Aircraft Corporation engineers have been busy improving the design; an improved FC-31 variant flew in December 2016 with structural modifications to the canopy, wings and tails. The FC-31 is being marketed to international customers, but none have nibbled the bait yet.

The 2020 Pentagon report noted, “…Development continues on the smaller FC-31/J-31 for export or as a future naval fighter for the PLAN’s next class of aircraft carriers.” Indeed, this alludes to persistent speculation that the PLAN will adopt the FC-31 as its fifth-generation fighter for use aboard carriers as a replacement for the large and heavy J-15.

The FC-31’s airframe is smaller (better for stowage and maneuverability aboard a crowded carrier deck or hangar) than the J-20’s. It will need reinforced landing gear, folding wings and a tail hook, however. The aircraft could eventually receive WS13E jet engines (in the 9-ton thrust class). These could even be supplanted by the WS19 jet in the 10-11-ton thrust class in the late 2020s. Many ascribe the nomenclature J-35 to such a PLAN carrier-borne design, but this is not official.

In December 2019, the Shenyang Institute said it had begun developing a new type of fighter jointly with the AVIC Manufacturing Technology Institute the year before. Later, a statement by the Chinese Aeronautical Establishment on its WeChat public account – and promptly deleted – promised a new-generation fighter would perform its maiden flight in 2021. Fu Qianshao, a Chinese air defense expert, told the Global Times tabloid this could well be a new carrier-based fighter based on the FC-31.

The PLAN’s need for a new carrier-borne fighter is quite urgent, since the incumbent J-15 cannot compete with F-35B or F-35C variants operated by the USA. If a maiden flight were to occur this year, it would likely take another five years for it to enter service; however, this could potentially be shortened slightly given the already long test program of the FC-31.

The second flying FC-31 demonstrator – with serial number ‘31003’ – was transferred to the PLAAF’s test flight establishment early last year. That signifies it is now more than just a Shenyang-owned aircraft, and something of direct interest to the PLA.

Addressing the FC-31, Rupprecht explained, “I try to be cautious as possible, since nothing is yet confirmed, but all hints towards the idea that this type has been selected by the PLAN as the J-15’s successor and future carrier-borne fighter. Allegedly named ‘J-35’, a first prototype is said be ready and we expect its unveiling, if not even its maiden flight, early this year.”

China has not rested on its laurels with either the J-20 or FC-31, for it is currently developing a sixth-generation fighter as well. Wang Haifeng, chief designer at the Chengdu Aircraft Research and Design Bureau, posits that it will be ready by 2035. This new fighter will incorporate such technologies as artificial intelligence, greater stealth and the ability to control drones, he disclosed in a WeChat interview published in January 2019.

The possibility exists that other features such as lasers, variable-cycle engines, hypersonic weapons and swarm warfare could be added to China’s next-generation fighter too. To date, there has been no official pronouncement of such a fighter, but we can be sure that Chinese engineers are already working on this future design.

If this sixth-generation fighter is to be ready for service by 2035, this would suggest a maiden flight at least five years prior to that, and low-rate initial production commencing in approximately 2032-33. Working backwards from this estimated 2035 timeframe, the prototype would then have to emerge by 2028 at the latest to meet the target.

Given that the J-10 appeared 13 years prior to the J-20, this suggests a slightly slower cycle of 17 years between the J-20 and sixth-generation fighter appearing. Even if such a new fighter appears, the J-20 could continue in production.

Instead of merely defending its borders, China is looking at a more proactive approach to defeating enemies beyond its landmass. Fighters like the J-20 and potential J-35 will enable this, and one might eventually see such aircraft asserting themselves in places like the Indian Ocean in the future.

Developing new fighters is hugely expensive, but China has demonstrated political will, martial ambition and heavy investment to make it happen. The J-20 is a mere ten years young and has a long life ahead of it. (ANI)

Yami Gets Nostalgic At ‘Bhoot Police’ Sets

Reminiscing about the place where she kick-started her acting journey 11 years back, Bollywood star Yami Gautam on Monday became nostalgic and shared pictures from Jaisalmer, on the sets of her upcoming film ‘Bhoot Police’.

The actor said she started her journey, at the same place — in Jaisalmer 11 years back.

The ‘Vicky Donor’ star hopped on to Instagram and shared pictures from Jaisalmer where she is shooting for the movie. The actor also recalled her memories from her first shoot as she shared a smiling selfie.

“This is where 11 years back I started my journey as an actor, in the stunning Jaisalmer! The memories of shooting my introduction scene are still fresh, which marked my brief stint in television! Life has come about a full circle it feels !”

The actor then expressed gratitude and added, “I stand here at the same spot with my heart brimmed with nostalgia & gratitude @flavienheldt #Bhootpolice.”

The shared post showed Gautam dressed up in brown furry coat as she looked gorgeous in a low makeup look, and posed smilingly with her luscious locks open.

Celebrity followers including Vikrant Massey and more than 12,000 fans liked the post within an hour.

Her ‘Bhoot Police’ co-star Jacqueline Fernandez also adored the picture and noted in the comments section, “you are perfection!”

Directed by Pavan Kripalani, ‘Bhoot Police’ is being produced by Ramesh Taurani and Akshai Puri. The movie also stars Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor and Javed Jafferi. (ANI)

Kangana Drops 1st Look Of ‘Dhaakad’

Bollywood star Kangana Ranaut on Monday dropped the first look poster of her upcoming action-thriller ‘Dhaakad’ featuring herself as ‘Agent Agni’.

The actor also announced that the movie will be released in theatres on October 1, 2021.

The ‘Queen’ star took to Instagram and unveiled the dark poster featuring herself in a ferocious avatar.

The ‘Gangster’ star also shared the traits of her character ‘Agent Agni’ in the film.

“She is fearless and Fiery! She is Agent Agni (fire emoticon) India’s first female-led action thriller, #Dhaakad, releasing in theatres on 1st October 2021!” she wrote.

Earlier, in an interview with ANI, Ranaut, talking about ‘Dhaakad, revealed that she will be portraying the role of an officer in the film, which is based on the issues of child trafficking and crimes against women.

‘Dhaakad’ is being helmed by Razneesh Ghai and produced by Sohail Maklai. (ANI)