A new treatment option for stomach cancer may be in the offing. Researchers from School of Life Sciences and Special Centre for Molecular Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have found that anti-arthritis drug diflunisal can be used to kill Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium responsible for stomach-related problems ranging from chronic gastritis and ulcers to cancer. 

The development assumes importance as stomach cancer is the second-most common cancer among men and third-most among women worldwide. Its symptoms and signs are often reported late when the disease has progressed to advanced stage. Cause of gastric cancer includes Helicobacter pylori infection, diet and lifestyle factors, consumption of tobacco and alcohol as well as genetic susceptibility. Gastric ulcers are also caused by H. pylori as it damages mucus that protects stomach and small intestine.

JNU researchers made the discovery about new use for arthritis drug while investigating a protein called beta-clamp in the bacterium which is a crucial target for drugs. A screening process with all drugs approved by the US’s Food and Drug Administration showed that diflusinal was able to inhibit the growth of the bacterium very well. 

In a paper presented in a recent issue of journal, FEBS Letters, the research team led by S. Gourinath, Professor at the School of Life Sciences, observed “diflunisal inhibits the growth of H. Pylori in the micro-molar range”. 

Speaking to India Science Wire, he pointed out that since diflunisal is an FDA approved drug, it could be taken in combination with the existing quadrapole therapy, which could reduce the length of treatment for H. Pylori infection. Quadrapole therapy involves administration of antibiotics, H2 blockers, Proton pump inhibitors and stomach-lining protectors for four to six weeks. 

Diflunisal is presently used to relieve mild to moderate pain.  It reduces pain, swelling, and joint stiffness caused by arthritis, and is categorised as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that are responsible for pain, fever and inflammation. Diflunisal blocks enzymes that make prostaglandins resulting in their lower concentrations.

The team of researchers included Dr S Gourinath, Preeti Pandey, Vijay Verma, Gunjan Gautam, Nilima Kumari from School of Life Sciences  and Suman Kumar Dhar from Special Center for Molecular Medicine. (India Science Wire)

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched two new contraceptives, an injectable contraceptive MPA under the ‘Antara’ programme and a contraceptive pill, ‘Chhaya’, in the public health system to expand the basket of contraceptive choices to meet the emerging needs of couples. The contraceptives, which are available for free in Medical Colleges and District Hospitals at present, have so far been launched in 10 states that includes Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Haryana, West Bengal, Odisha, Delhi and Goa. The contraceptives are safe and highly effective, the ‘Antara’ injectable being effective for three months and the ‘Chayya’ pill for one week, and will help meet the changing needs of couples and help women plan and space their pregnancies. Training of healthcare practitioners from all the states has been completed as well, with a pool of state and district level doctors and staff nurses being trained to support the roll-out.

To help improve the supply and distribution of contraceptives, the Ministry had recently launched a new software, Family Planning Logistics Management Information System (FP-LMIS), designed to provide robust information on the demand and distribution of contraceptives to health facilities and ASHAs.

In addition, Mission Parivar Vikas, a central family planning initiative has also been launched by the Ministry. The key strategic focus of this initiative is on improving access to contraceptives through delivering assured services, ensuring commodity security and accelerating access to high quality family planning services.

• The mission is being implemented in 146 high focus districts with the highest total fertility rates in the country. These districts are in the seven high focus, high Total Fertility Rates (TFR) states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Assam, which constitute 44% of the country’s population.

• The main objective of the Mission Parivar Vikas family planning initiative is to bring down the Total Fertility Rate to 2.1 by the year 2025.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, through its sustained family planning efforts, aims to achieve its goal of increasing modern contraceptive usage and ensure that 74% of the demand for modern contraceptives is satisfied by 2020, with continued emphasis on delivering assured services, generating demand and bridging supply gaps. The Ministry’s focus remains on increasing awareness and demand through a holistic communications campaign that has simultaneously been rolled out across all states of India.

Simple technology such as basic mobile phones can help in improving TB management, experts suggest. At least two pilots, conducted in India, have shown increased adherence to treatment regimen and improving the percentage of notification of Tuberculosis, particularly in the private sector.

India has 2.6 million TB cases annually and as many as 1 million patients are still missed. However, lack of standardization of TB treatment in the country is a bigger challenge with the treatment being provided by unqualified people to corporate hospitals. More than half the patients receive treatment in the private sector where there is no mechanism for monitoring and follow-up with a high percentage of patients dropping out which results in drug resistance.

Tuberculosis was declared a notified disease in India in May 2012 and the Centre created a specialized web portal—Nikshay—where TB cases are to be mandatorily reported.

A study conducted by Apollo Hospital in Mysore involving 2,500 private practitioners showed that 80 per cent did not diagnose or treat TB. Of those managing the disease, 70 per cent were not aware that TB was notifiable while those aware did not know the mechanism of notifying the disease and took shelter under the provision of privacy of patients in not notifying the disease as it identified the patients.

According to Dr Suneetha Narreddy, an infectious diseases expert from Apollo Hospital said they had launched a pilot project wherein they engaged with private practitioners to upgrade their knowledge on diagnosis including notification of TB and management of TB and drug resistant TB.

Apollo Hospital created software which was connected with Nikshay and the TB patients who came to the hospital for treatment. Details and data of all TB patients was fed into the software which automatically went to the Nikshay site. The hospital also sent out SMS regularly to the patients reminding them of the medication and IVRS calls twice a week to ensure that they stuck to the regimen. If there were some drop outs, they were contacted by the social worker and counseled about the importance of adhering to the regimen.

During June 2015 and March 2017, 500 cases of TB were notified with Nikshay. These included 17 MDR Tuberculosis cases. Of the total number of cases, 151 successfully completed treated while treatment in going on in 203 patients while 80 have shifted to other hospitals in the outskirts (Apollo is a tertiary care facility). Unfortunately, 11 stopped treatment, 27 died and 22 are not traceable.

Dr Narreddy said 94 per cent had taken all doses though 6 per cent had missed one or more doses. A feedback from 350 patients suggested that 93 per cent found SMS and IVRS calls useful while 9 per cent wanted reduced frequency of calls and SMS.

Results of another pilot project conducted in Khuntia district in Jharkhand suggested that diagnosis and treatment was four times higher among those patients who used mobile application under the project, according to Dr Archana Trivedi, Senior technical Advisor, The Union South East Asia Office.

The project was conducted in three blocks of Khuntia district covering a population of 45,000. The applications were provided to Rural Health Care Providers, NGOs and Laboratory Technicians to manage patient information and counseling.

The RHCP feed the patient details into the mobile as soon as they came for testing. Once testing was done, the results of the test were sent by the Lab Technician to the patient as well as the RHCP. If the patient did not turn up for treatment within seven days after the test report was provided, the RHCP would contact the patient and counsel him/her to come for treatment as well as the importance of sticking to the regimen.

Heavy metal poisoning is a growing concern in many parts of the country. A new method for removing chromium-6, a highly toxic heavy metal, from waste water has been developed by a group of scientists from India and Ethiopia. They claim it to be low-cost and safe.

The new method uses water hyacinth, a weed known for its ability to spread rapidly over water bodies. It is used for cleansing polluted water bodies owing to its remarkable capacity of absorbing pollutants. 

In the new study, hyacinth was made into a powder and then mixed with water containing chromium-6. The powder was allowed to settle down and after two minutes the liquid above the powder was removed and analyzed for chromium-6. It was found that chromium-6 levels decreased significantly in water. 

This is because water hyacinth particles attract chromium which then gets ‘stuck’ to it thereby leaving water chromium ‘free’. For every litre of water, only 0.04 grams of powdered water hyacinth is required to reduce the amount of chromium-6 to ‘safer’ levels over a period of 30 minutes. Using higher amount of hyacinth or allowing the powder to stay in the water for longer did not have any further effect on chromium-6 levels. It was also found that acidic water further encouraged the ‘sticking’ (adsorption) of chromium-6 particles to the powdered water hyacinth. 

“Use of water hyacinth as an adsorbent is a low-cost and very effective way of removing an extremely hazardous element from industrial waste before it becomes dangerous to humans,” said Dr Neetu Rani of Indraprastha University, New Delhi, who led the study. The results have appeared in Journal of Water Reuse and Desalination.

Exposure to chromium is toxic to humans. Even in small amounts, chromium affects the liver, kidneys, nervous system and lungs. Chromium-6 is highly toxic and can cause cancer. Steel, paint and pigments, chemical industries, and those engaged in electroplating and leather tanning are a major source of this pollutant. Though there are many methods being used to remove chromium-6 from industrial waste such as reverse osmosis, they are expensive and not very effective.

The research team included Dr Neetu Rani, Dr. Tuisem Shimrah from Indraprastha University, and Dr Bhupender Singh from Arba Minch University, Ethiopia. (India Science Wire)

“I worry for my life every morning I go to work”

As the conflict in Afghanistan escalates and expands, healthcare comes under attack. Since January this year, 164 health facilities have been forced to close due to insecurity and conflict and 24 health facilities have been attacked and damaged either deliberately or as collateral damage. The forced closure of health facilities is currently affecting around 3 million people’s access to healthcare in Afghanistan.

“Before 2015, most of the attacks occurred in so-called traditional conflict areas such as Kandahar province in the south and Nangarhar in the east. However, in the past two years, attacks on health facilities and healthcare workers have become more common throughout the country,” said Dr David Lai, Health Cluster Coordinator at WHO Afghanistan.

“We have recently started to gather more comprehensive data on attacks on healthcare and the findings are alarming. In 2014, 25 attacks on health facilities were reported, whereas last year the number was 53, representing an increase of over 100%. Similarly in 2016, 189 health facilities were forced to close due to conflict, up from 72 two years before,” said Dr Lai.

“We live with violence all the time”

Health workers face the risk of assaults, abductions and killings as they carry out their work in health facilities and communities around the country. In a recent assessment carried out by WHO in four conflict-affected provinces, 42% of healthcare workers reported experiencing threats to their personal safety while at work. 

Since the beginning of 2017, 12 aid workers have been killed and as many injured while delivering healthcare and essential services to those in need.

“We live with violence all the time. It has become part of our lives,” says Sediqa (name changed), a vaccinator working in a health facility in Herat province in western Afghanistan. Sediqa has faced harassment, threats and physical violence at work.

“When I go out to the community to vaccinate children, I sometimes get shouted at, pushed and threatened. One time, a man threatened to shoot me when I was delivering vaccines to children in his community,” she says. Sediqa has also witnessed several incidences of armed men storming into health facilities while she was on duty.

Dr Yousefsai, a medical doctor in charge of a clinic in the outskirts of Jalalabad, is also experiencing the impact of conflict in his work. “I worry for my life every morning when I go to work, not only for myself but also for my family. We all could be targeted by criminals or be kidnapped or caught up in an explosion. We work in a stressful situation with an uncertain future,” said Dr Yousefsai.

An alarming increase in attacks

“There is a staggering and an unacceptable number of violent attacks on healthcare in Afghanistan and an alarming lack of respect for the neutrality and sanctity of healthcare and for international humanitarian law. Medical personnel are attacked or threatened, patients are shot in their hospital beds, hospitals are bombed. This must stop,” said Dr Richard Peeperkorn, WHO Country Representative in Afghanistan.

“These increasing attacks on health workers and health facilities bring about devastating effects for health service delivery which is already under-resourced in many parts of the country. Attacks put the lives of health workers at risk but they also deprive Afghans of urgently needed care,” Dr Peeperkorn adds.

Attacks against health workers in conflict areas are on the rise all over the world. In 2016, 863 health workers were injured or killed in attacks globally, an increase from the previous year. In Afghanistan, 154 health workers have been injured due to conflict this year.

Despite the growing insecurity and escalating conflict, brave and dedicated medical professionals continue delivering healthcare where it is needed the most, often risking their lives to treat the wounded and save lives.

Dr Sakhi, 48, has worked as a general surgeon in Nangarhar Regional Hospital for over 10 years. He worries for his life and for the safety of his loved ones.

“There is no security for us. There are often attacks and explosions in our area and many of the casualties are brought here. Sometimes we cannot take care of all of them. Beds and supplies are limited and I worry that if things get worse, we cannot cope with the situation anymore,” he said.

“There are threats against the hospital, there are abductions and overall the situation and our future is very uncertain.”

(Courtesy – WHO)

Gauri Lankesh, a senior journalist and activist in Bengaluru, has been shot dead at her residence in Rajarajeshwari Nagar. 

Reports suggest unidentified men shot at 55-year-old Ms Lankesh seven times from close range and three bullets hit her on the neck and chest. She collapsed at the door of her house in West Bengaluru.

The Press Club of India strongly condemns the dastardly and outrageous armed attack on Gauri Lankesh, a senior journalist and activist in Bengaluru, which sniffed out her life. 

The fact that she was shot dead at her Rajarajeshwari Nagar at a busy hour on Tuesday evening only indicates how fragile law and order situation has become in Bengaluru and miscreants and criminals are having a free run in the Capital city of Karnataka. 

A fearless and independent journalist who gave voice to many causes and always stood up for justice has been shot dead in a most brutal manner in order to silence her voice. Reports have pointed to the involvement of some men in her killing who shot her from close range at her residence. She was bringing out a Kannada weekly magazine “Lankesh Patrike”. 

The Press Club of India demands that her attackers be identified and brought to book in a swift manner. Whatever differences she had with anyone, it was certainly not the way to attack an outspoken journalist who was defenceless and had nothing to offer by way of resistance. Such attacks on the freedom of press will not be tolerated. . The PCI will hold a protest meet on Sept. 6 along with Press Association and Indian Women Press Corps (IWPC) against the killing of Gauri Lankesh. 

The World Health Organisation has launched an ambitious new strategy to reduce deaths from cholera by 90% by 2030. The strategy was launched by the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC), a diverse network of more than 50 UN and international agencies, academic institutions, and NGOs that supports countries affected by the disease.

Cholera kills an estimated 95, 000 people and affects 2.9 million more every year.

The GTFCC’s new plan, Ending Cholera: A Global Roadmap to 2030, recognizes that cholera spreads in endemic “hotspots” where predictable outbreaks of the disease occur year after year.

The Global Roadmap aims to align resources, share best practice and strengthen partnerships between affected countries, donors and international agencies. It underscores the need for a coordinated approach to cholera control with country-level planning for early detection and response to outbreaks. By implementing the Roadmap, up to 20 affected countries could eliminate cholera by 2030.

“The World Health Organization is proud to be part of this new joint initiative to stop deaths from cholera. The disease takes its greatest toll on the poor and the vulnerable – this is quite unacceptable. This roadmap is the best way we have to bring this to an end,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization.

“Every death from cholera is preventable with the tools available today, including use of the Oral Cholera Vaccine and improved access to basic safe water, sanitation and hygiene as set out in the Roadmap,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization. “This is a disease of inequity that affects the poorest and most vulnerable. It is unacceptable that nearly two decades into the 21stcentury, cholera continues to destroy livelihoods and cripple economies. We must act together. And we must act now.”

Advances in the provision of water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services have made Europe and North America cholera-free for several decades.  Today, although access to WASH is recognized as a basic human right by the United Nations, over 2 billion people worldwide still lack access to safe water and are potentially at risk of cholera. Weak health systems and low early detection capacity further contribute to the rapid spread of outbreaks.

Cholera disproportionally impacts communities already burdened by conflict, lack of infrastructure, poor health systems, and malnutrition. Protecting these communities before cholera strikes is significantly more cost-effective than continually responding to outbreaks.

The introduction of the oral cholera vaccine has been a game-changer in the battle to control cholera, bridging the gap between emergency response and longer-term control. Two WHO-approved oral cholera vaccines are now available and individuals can be fully vaccinated for just US$6 per person, protecting them from the disease for up to three years.

The Global Roadmap provides an effective mechanism to synchronize the efforts of countries, donors, and technical partners. It underscores the need for a multi-sectoral approach to cholera control with country-level planning for early detection and response to outbreaks.

The BRICS leaders’ declaration for the 9th BRICS Summit calls for energizing the practical cooperation between the member countries. It states enhancing communication and coordination in improving global economic governance to foster a more just and equitable international economic order. It underlines international and regional peace and stability.

PM Modi Speech At 9th BRICS Summit

Let me begin by sincerely thanking President Xi again for his warm reception and the excellent organisation of this Summit. Our interaction during the restricted session was constructive. It enriched our mutual understanding and perspectives. After more than a decade of existence, BRICS has developed a robust framework for cooperation. We contribute stability and growth in a world drifting towards uncertainty. While trade and economy have been the foundation of our cooperation, our endeavours today touch diverse areas of technology, tradition, culture, agriculture, environment, energy, sports, and ICT. The New Development Bank has started disbursing loans in pursuit of its mandate to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development in BRICS countries. At the same time, our Central Banks have taken steps to make the Contingent Reserve Arrangement fully operational. These are milestones of progress we can build upon. Looking ahead, it is important that our people remain at the centre of our journey. I am happy to note that China has taken forward the people-to-people thrust of our exchanges from last year. Such inter-mingling will consolidate our links and deepen our understanding.

India’s own far-reaching journey of transformation gives pride of place to our people. We are in mission-mode to eradicate poverty; to ensure health, sanitation, skills, food security, gender equality, energy, education and innovation. National programmes of Clean Ganga, Renewable Energy, Digital India, Smart Cities, Housing for All and Skill India are laying the basis for clean, green and inclusive development. They are also tapping the creative energy of our 800 million youth. Our women’s empowerment programmes are productivity multipliers that mainstream women in nation building. We have also stepped up the fight against black money and corruption. Moving forward, using the springboard of our national experiences, BRICS countries can deepen partnership for win-win results. Some thoughts come to mind for upgrading mutual cooperation. First, last year we discussed pooling our efforts to create a BRICS rating agency. An Expert Group has since been studying the viability of such an agency. I would urge that the roadmap for its creation should be finalized at the earliest. Second, our Central Banks must further strengthen their capabilities and promote co-operation between the Contingent Reserve Arrangement and the IMF. Third, affordable, reliable, and sustainable access to energy is crucial for the development of our nations. Climate resilient development calls upon us to utilise all available resource streams. Renewable energy is particularly important on multiple counts. Recognizing this, India, together with France, launched a major international initiative – the International Solar Alliance (ISA) – in November 2015. It will bring together a coalition of 121 countries for mutual gains through enhanced solar energy utilisation. BRICS countries can work closely with ISA to strengthen the solar energy agenda. Our five countries have complementary skills and strengths to promote use of renewable and solar energy. The NDB can also establish an effective link with ISA to support such cooperation. We would wish to see more clean energy funding, particularly in solar energy, from the NDB. Fourth, we are nations with large youth populations. We need to mainstream our youth in our joint initiatives as far as possible. Scaled up cooperation in skill development and exchange of best practices will be a valuable instrument. Fifth, at the Goa Summit last year we had exchanged thoughts on smart-cities, urbanization, and disaster-management in the context of cooperation between our cities. We need to further accelerate this track. Sixth, Technology and innovation are the foundations of the next generation of global growth and transformation. India has also found that technology and digital resources are powerful tools in fighting poverty and corruption. A strong BRICS partnership on innovation and digital economy can help spur growth, promote transparency and support the Sustainable Development Goals. I would suggest considering a collaborative pilot project under the BRICS framework , including private entrepreneurship. Finally, India would be happy to work towards more focused capacity building engagement between BRICS and African countries in areas of skills, health, infrastructure, manufacturing and connectivity.

In the last decade, two generations of leader of our countries contributed to the emergence and establishment of BRICS. We acquired credibility, wielded influence and spurred growth. Now, the next decade is crucial. In an environment where we seek stability, sustainable development and prosperity. BRICS leadership will be crucial in driving this transformation. If we as BRICS can set the agenda in these areas, the world will call this its Golden Decade. In our outreach segment with emerging markets tomorrow. I will share some of our ideas in this regard. I am confident that it will help the BRICS in our shared journey to scale new heights of partnership. 

The Rashtriya Janta Dal led ‘BJP Bhagao, Desh Bachao’ grand rally of ‘Mahagathbandhan’ in Patna came after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar untied the alliance with Mahagathbandhan and clubbed with his old ally, National Democratic Alliance. Although the turnout at Gandhi Maidan on last Sunday might have boosted up the moral of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ and Lalu clan, they seem to pick a wrong turn at a very wrong time. Lalu Yadav organized the mega show at a time when 514 deaths have been recorded due to flood, close to 50 lakhs have been stranded and as many as 1.71 crores people have been affected in 19 districts of Bihar. 187 blocks and 2,371 panchayats are hit. In the last 24 days 42 deaths have been recorded. 

In a fresh blow to the RJD, the Income Tax Department on Friday issued a notice regarding the expenses of the mega show. 

Barely 6 hours away from the rally spot, Araria recorded hundred deaths due to flood, followed by a tragic bridge collapse washing away three lives of man, woman and girl. The state administration and NDRF have been deployed in the rescue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi did an aerial survey of the four flood hit districts, accompanied by CM Nitish Kumar, sanctioning a package of 500 crores. But the former CM of Bihar Lalu Yadav and most of the opposition political heavyweight choose to focus on their grand gala instead of standing with the nation in the fury of flood. 

More than 17 parties attended the rally. Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Samajvaadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Gulam Nabi Azad (Congress), NCP, CPI, RLD, JMM, JVM, DMK, Kerala Congress, RSP, AIUDF, NC, and JD(S) shared the dais with Lalu Yadav. Defying the guidelines of the party, JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav participated in the rally. BSP chief Mayawati and NCP President Sharad Pavar were not present. 6 former CMs attended the rally at Gandhi Maidan, Patna. This list includes Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Akhilesh Yadav, Babulal Marandi, Hemant Soren and Gulam Nabi Azad.  

Taking a jibe on the anti-BJP rally, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said it “unnecessary”. “The rally could have happened even two months later. Was it really necessary to conduct it now, when the people if Bihar are suffering? Lalu Yadav should have used the money he spent on this to help the people of his state,” said the Union minister.

Mamta’s state West Bengal has also been struggling due to flood waters in six districts and communal riots in Bashirhat. Flood conditions in the six districts of northwest Bengal have been severely affected. Of the 55 deaths in, 48 died of drowning, four died of snake bite and three succumbed to wall collapse. Water has receded from the most areas of Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Alipurduar, Uttar Dinajpur and dakshin Dinajpur, while some areas in Malda are still inundated. But the situation in Bihar is the worst. Over 55 lakh people have been hit by the floods in all the six districts.

On Friday, Bihar Water Resources Minister Lalan Singh in a bizarre statement that rats had damaged the river embankments, which caused floods. “Rats are the main reason behind the seepage of Kamla Balan River. Villagers tend to store their grains on the banks thus attracting the rodents. They then carve out holes in the embankments this weakening the base,” said the Minister. The theory of rats is not new in Bihar. Few months ago Bihar police alleged the rats to drink 9 lakhs liters of liquor kept in the store of police station.

Tejaswi Yadav and Misa Bharti have already been under radar of CBI and ED, for the charges on Benami property and disproportionate assets; cornerstone of Nitish divorce to RJD. These dynasts might have to face some serious implications for the serious charges of corruption. Being young politicians, they should have visited the marooned areas of Bihar which are hit by floods. 

After being convicted in the fodder scam, Lalu’s popularity in Bihar doesn’t seem to be fading away as the photographs of the rally started flooding the internet. Lalu uploaded one picture of the rally on his Twitter handle which became a laughing stock for his party. He boosted upon a photoshoped image of the rally showing more than the actual size of the crowd at Gandhi Maidan. 

Amid all such political show off and drama, the state was bleeding under the dearth of basic amenities of roti, kapda and makaan after the flood affected the livelihood of millions of people in Bihar. But demonstration of power through a political rally as mega show overtook adversity of flood in Bihar. And the credit goes to Mahagathbandhan, which after facing debacle in Bihar, fell abruptly again hitting a ‘self goal’ in the inappropriate timing of grand gala at Gandhi Maidan. Like Bihar seems to be destined to see the waters on their doorsteps every monsoon, politicians are busy in managing their vote banks. The opposition parties, mainly the Mahagathbandhan pact, are like empty vessels which sound much and act less. The grand ally will be suffering after Nitish’s sudden exit.

NEW DELHI: Focussing on his agenda of good governance, performance and last mile delivery, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday effected third expansion and reshuffle of  his Cabinet, elevating four ministers and inducting nine new faces which included four former bureaucrats.
The allocation of portfolio witnessed Nirmala Sitharaman being elevated to the Cabinet rank and stepping in the South Block as the first full-time woman Defence Minister. After Urban Development Minister Mr. M. Venkaiah Naidu’s election as the Vice-President, the need was felt to give Southern States a prominent place in the Cabinet. Ms. Sitharaman who is from Tamil Nadu and her husband hails from Andhra Pradesh was eminently suited to fill the slot, indicating that maintaining regional balance was also a key factor.  
Along with Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, and External Affairs Minister Ms. Sushma Swaraj, Ms. Sitharaman will be a member of the powerful Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) which is headed by the Prime Minister. Mr. Jaitley was holding additional charge of Defence Ministry since Manohar Parrikar returned to Goa as chief minister earlier in March after the assembly polls in the coastal state.
Apart from Ms. Sitharaman, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Piyush Goyal, who were all holding independent charge as state ministers, were elevated to the Cabinet rank on the basis of their peformance, taking the total number to 27 Cabinet ministers of which six are women, the highest in any Union Cabinet. There are 11 Ministers of State with independent charge and 37 Ministers of State.
The new ministers who were sworn in by President Ram Nath Kovind at a ceremony in the Rashtrapati Bhavan include Virendra Kumar, Anant Kumar Hegde and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, former IAS officers Alphons Kannanthanam and R K Singh, former Indian Foreign Service officer and diplomat Hardeep Puri and former Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh. Both Mr. Puri and Mr. Alphons are not members of any House and they are likely to enter the Rajya Sabha within next six months. While Mr. R K Singh, a former Home Secretary represents Arrah in the Lok Sabha, Mr. Satyapal Singh had defeated Mr. Ajit Singh to enter the Lok Sabha from Baghpat constituency.

Ashwini Kumar Choubey, a Lok Sabha member from Bihar, and Shiv Pratap Shukla from Uttar Pradesh are the two other new faces. Indications are that Mr. Modi may go for another expansion of his Cabinet as the BJP’s allies have not found place in today’s reshuffle.
Six Cabinet ministers had quit a couple of days before the reshuffle, making way for the new faces. The former ministers are likely to be given key responsibilities in the party work.
Induction of Mr. Alphons from Kerala and Mr. Puri, a Sikh, in the Cabinet and elevation of Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi as Minority Affairs Minister is a subtle message to the religious minorities from the BJP as the party is keen to make its presence felt in the Southern States, particularly Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Official sources said that induction of technocrats and former bureaucrats in the Union Cabinet was nothing new as the Congress had Dr. Manmohan Singh, a former Reserve Bank of India governor, as the Prime Minister and K. R. Narayanan, a former IFS officer as Science and Technology minister who rose to become Vice-President and later the President. Sources said that former bureaucrats bring their rich administrative experience and can be of significant help in implementation of the government’s schemes in an effective and time-bound manner.
While Dharmendra Pradesh who deftly and efficiently handled Oil and Petroleum Ministry now also gets the charge of Skill Development, Suresh Prabhu was shifted from Railways to Commerce and his place was taken by Piyush Goyal who was also elevated to the Cabinet rank. Mr. Goyal is credited with sterling performance in the Power ministry who implemented with zeal the Prime Minister’s pet programme of rural electrification.
Mr. Modi also kept in mind three States where assembly polls are to be held next year – Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. The exercise saw induction of  Gajendra Singh Shekhawat , Virendra Kumar and Anant Hegde in the Cabinet from these States.