Delhi Confidential: Back in Saddle

Columbia University professor and noted economist Arvind Panagariya is all set to return to the classroom after a two-year break from teaching. Panagariya, currently the chairman of the Sixteenth Finance Commission, recently submitted the panel’s report to President Droupadi Murmu. With his report writing work over, he is back in the United States and is preparing to resume his academic duties at Columbia University in January.

Praise for Cause

BJP’s nominated MP and retired foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla took up the cause of the tea estates and workers of Darjeeling, in the Rajya Sabha during Zero Hour on Wednesday. He highlighted the problem of low quality tea being imported and sold as “Darjeeling tea”, spoiling the reputation of the original tea. Before he could complete his speech, his allotted time got over and the Chairman called the name of the next speaker. Two Opposition MPs, however, gave a thumbs-up to the MP for raising the issue and shouted across the aisle “thank you” and “good one”.

Treat with Care

A RECENT meeting at the Delhi Secretariat took an unexpected turn when a city DCP arrived to discuss an official matter with one of the ministers of the Delhi government. Before the file could be opened, something else caught the minister’s attention. Curious about the officer’s visibly lean frame, the minister paused the discussion and asked the DCP about his health. He then instructed his staff to serve the officer a special “desi wrest­ler prasad”, a nutrient-rich treat usually meant for local wrestlers, that was being prepared in his office. The DCP politely refused the treat saying he had lunch before coming to the meeting. The officer is learnt to have taken the offering as well as the gesture in good humour.